ACRA Company Search: How to Verify Businesses in Singapore
When it comes to doing business in Singapore, trust and transparency are everything. Whether you’re vetting a potential partner, researching a competitor, or simply verifying a company’s legitimacy, the ACRA company search is your go-to tool. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is Singapore’s national regulator of business entities, and its online portal provides a wealth of information at your fingertips.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform an ACRA company search, what information you can expect to find, and why it’s a must for anyone navigating Singapore’s business landscape.
Table of Contents
What Is ACRA and Why Does It Matter?
ACRA, or the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, is the backbone of Singapore’s business ecosystem. It oversees the registration and regulation of companies, public accountants, and corporate service providers. Essentially, it’s Singapore’s official business registry—every registered entity, from startups to multinationals, is listed here. The ACRA company search taps into this database, making it an indispensable resource for due diligence.
Why does this matter? Imagine you’re about to sign a deal with a supplier. A quick ACRA search reveals they’re not registered—a major red flag! Or perhaps you’re eyeing a merger, and the search uncovers undisclosed directors—time to dig deeper. In short, the ACRA company search is your first line of defense against fraud and misinformation.
How to Perform an ACRA Company Search: A Step-by-Step Guide
ACRA’s online portal, BizFile+, is user-friendly and accessible to anyone. Here’s how to conduct a Singapore company search in just a few clicks:
- Visit BizFile+: Go to BizFile+, ACRA’s official platform.
- Choose Your Search Type: Select “Search & Buy Information” from the menu. You’ll need to log in or create a free account—it takes minutes.
- Enter the Company Name or UEN: The UEN (Unique Entity Number) is Singapore’s standard identifier for businesses. No UEN? The company name works too.
- Select the Information You Need: Options include a free basic search (company name and status) or paid reports like the Business Profile (S$5.50) for detailed data.
- Review and Purchase: For paid reports, add them to your cart and check out. You’ll get a PDF instantly.
Pro Tip: Searching multiple companies? Look into ACRA’s bulk search options or subscription plans for frequent users.
What Information Can You Get from an ACRA Company Search?
The depth of information depends on the report you choose. Here’s what you can typically uncover with an ACRA business search:
- Basic Information: Company name, UEN, registration date, and status (e.g., “Live,” “Struck Off”).
- Registered Address: The company’s official location.
- Business Activities: Primary and secondary activities, coded with SSIC (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification).
- Directors and Officers: Names, appointment dates, and nationalities.
- Shareholders: Individual or corporate shareholders and their shareholdings.
- Capital Structure: Paid-up capital and share types.
- Compliance History: Filing records, like annual returns and financial statements.
For example, a Business Profile report shows if a company consistently files its annual returns—a key sign of reliability. Curious about director roles? Check out our guide on Director Requirements in Singapore.
Why the ACRA Company Search Is Essential
The ACRA company search isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical step in any business decision. Here’s why:
- Verify Legitimacy: Confirm the company exists and is active. A “Live” status means it’s operational; “Struck Off” means it’s defunct.
- Assess Stability: Check filing histories. Consistent records suggest good governance.
- Uncover Ownership: See who’s behind the company. Hidden shareholders or directors could signal risks.
- Avoid Scams: Fraudsters often pose as legitimate businesses. A quick search can expose fakes.
Consider this: A local startup nearly invested in a tech firm, but an ACRA search revealed multiple unpaid penalties—a warning that saved them from a bad deal.
Tips for Using the ACRA Company Search Effectively
Maximize your company registration check Singapore with these tips:
- Use the UEN for Precision: It’s unique to each entity, avoiding mix-ups with similar names.
- Check Historical Data: For S$15, access past records like former directors or name changes.
- Go Beyond Basics: The Business Profile (S$5.50) offers detailed insights worth the cost.
- Cross-Reference: Pair your ACRA search with a Singapore Company Name Check for a fuller picture.
ACRA’s data is public but not exhaustive. For deeper insights, consider credit reports or legal checks.
Latest Policies and Data (As of 2025)
As of February 2025, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) continues to enhance its BizFile+ portal to better serve users. In December 2024, ACRA launched a revamped version of BizFile+, introducing a user-centric design with intuitive navigation, improved data integrity, and strengthened personal data protection. However, some users have encountered challenges with the new system. In response, ACRA has waived late filing penalties for statutory and ad hoc filings due between 9 December 2024 and 15 March 2025 to accommodate affected users.
Regarding business registrations, ACRA reported the formation of 5,718 new business entities in January 2025. The sectors with the highest number of new registrations were Wholesale Trade (1,002), Professional Services (1,049), and Information & Communications (687). This data reflects Singapore’s dynamic and diverse business environment.
For the most current updates on BizFile+ features, policies, or fees, please visit ACRA’s official website, as regulations and systems can evolve.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Is the ACRA company search free?
Basic searches (name and status) are free; detailed reports cost S$5.50 to S$15.
Can I search for defunct companies?
Yes, ACRA retains records of struck-off companies for several years.
How often is the data updated?
ACRA updates its records in real-time as companies file changes.
Conclusion: Knowledge Is Power
The ACRA company search is more than a tool—it’s your safeguard in Singapore’s fast-paced business world. Whether you’re verifying a partner, researching a competitor, or ensuring compliance, this resource is indispensable. Once you’ve confirmed a company’s legitimacy, explore its structure with our guide on Private Limited Company Registration in Singapore. Need help? Contact us at Vero or dive into our blog for more insights.
Team Vero
As a team of experienced corporate law and business regulatory professionals, Vero.sg offers comprehensive guidance and support to businesses navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. We possess a deep understanding of corporate law, corporate governance, and compliance. This allows us to provide tailored solutions that effectively address your unique needs. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your compliance with corporate governance best practices.