Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world to start and run a business. If you’re considering company registration in Singapore, you’ve probably come across the term UEN — but what exactly is it?
Let's explorwe what a UEN is, why it’s essential for your business setup in Singapore, and how it impacts everything from tax filing to opening a bank account.
Whether you’re an international entrepreneur looking for a trusted gateway into Asia or a local founder getting started, understanding the UEN is a critical piece of your company incorporation in Singapore.
What is a UEN?
UEN stands for Unique Entity Number. It’s a standardized identification number issued to all entities that are registered in Singapore, including:
Private limited companies
Partnerships and sole proprietors
Non-profits and societies
Government agencies
Foreign companies operating locally
It’s issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) at the time of company registration and acts as your business’s ID number for all interactions with Singapore government agencies.
For most businesses, UEN is automatically generated once your company incorporation in Singapore is approved.
What Does a UEN Look Like?
A UEN is typically a 9- or 10-character alphanumeric code, depending on the entity type.
Examples:
For companies registered with ACRA: 201912345N
For other entity types (e.g., societies, LLPs): T10SS1234A
Each part of the UEN holds information, such as the year of registration and the entity type. However, you don’t need to decode it — what's important is keeping it accessible and using it correctly.
Why is UEN So Important?
The UEN isn’t just a formal ID — it plays a central role in your business operations. Here’s why it matters during and after your business setup in Singapore:
1. Legal and Government Recognition
Your UEN confirms that your business is legally recognized in Singapore. Government bodies use it to verify your identity in their systems.
2. Tax and Compliance Filings
You’ll use your UEN to file corporate income tax, apply for GST registration, submit CPF contributions, and complete other statutory filings.
3. Bank Account Opening
Most Singapore banks require a valid UEN before allowing you to open a corporate bank account. It serves as proof of your legal incorporation.
4. Invoicing and Contracts
UEN is often used in B2B transactions for billing and identification. Some companies may not work with businesses that cannot provide a valid UEN.
5. Accessing Government Services
Want to apply for government grants, submit tenders, or use platforms like Corppass and BizFile? You’ll need your UEN to access them.
Who Issues the UEN?
The issuing authority depends on your business type:
ACRA issues UENs for companies, LLPs, and sole proprietors during company registration in Singapore.
Other registrars (such as MOE, MFA, or MAS) issue UENs for entities under their purview, like charities or foreign embassies.
Regardless of the registrar, the UEN functions the same way across all platforms.
How to Get a UEN in Singapore
The process is straightforward if you’re going through company incorporation in Singapore:
Register Your Business via BizFile+
Use ACRA’s online portal to submit your application.Receive Approval and UEN
Once approved, ACRA automatically issues your UEN along with your business registration documents.Use Your UEN for All Business Activities
From day one, your UEN becomes your go-to reference number.
If you’re registering through a corporate service provider, they’ll usually handle this entire process and ensure you receive your UEN without hassle.
Can You Change a UEN?
No, your UEN is permanent. Even if your company name or business activity changes, the UEN stays the same. If your entity is closed and you incorporate a new one, a new UEN will be issued.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with UEN
Using an incorrect UEN in filings or contracts can delay processing or lead to compliance issues.
Not disclosing your UEN when required (e.g., for government grants or business dealings) may disqualify your company from certain services.
Misplacing your UEN can slow down administrative tasks — always keep a copy handy with your official documents.
Conclusion
When setting up a business in Singapore, getting your Unique Entity Number is one of the first — and most important — steps. It’s more than just a registration ID; it’s your business’s passport to operate within Singapore’s highly efficient and digitally connected ecosystem.
From tax filing to legal contracts and opening bank accounts, the UEN is a foundational tool that supports your business growth. If you're beginning your business setup in Singapore, make sure your UEN is correctly issued, understood, and ready for use.
Starting a business doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, your company registration Singapore process can be smooth, fast, and fully compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I look up a company’s UEN in Singapore?
Yes. You can search for any registered business’s UEN through the ACRA BizFile+ public directory.
2. Do freelancers or self-employed individuals need a UEN?
If you’re registered as a sole proprietorship under ACRA, yes. If not, you may not have a UEN unless you incorporate.
3. Is UEN required for foreign companies expanding into Singapore?
Yes. When a foreign company registers a branch or subsidiary in Singapore, it will be assigned a UEN during the incorporation process.
