If you operate an entity in Singapore, you will have a Unique Entity Number (UEN) associated with your company. Essentially, it is a nine or ten-digit identification number issued by the Singapore government to your business via the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or other applicable government agencies. A UEN is automatically assigned to an entity after it has completed the business registration process. It also applies solely to local entities, as foreign entities must follow a different process altogether.
The Primary Purpose of a UEN
The UEN is designed to facilitate seamless communication between Singaporean entities and government agencies. In the past, a business had to register multiple entity numbers for various purposes and agencies, including taxation, business licenses, and employee contributions. Consolidation into a single UEN helped reduce confusion among businesses when filing government documents or submitting applications. This consolidation also reduces administrative workflows, further easing filing processes.
More than that, a UEN is also advantageous in several ways:
- Streamlined filing of corporate tax returns
- Simplified workflows for import and export permits
- Seamless access and registration to government digital services
- Registration with PayNow Corporate for seamless banking transactions
- Helps differentiate entities sharing similar names
- Allows entities to observe compliance regulations
Who Needs a UEN?
All registered businesses in Singapore are required to have a UEN. Incorporating or registering through ACRA will automatically provide you with your entity’s UEN. If you manage any of the following, you will need a UEN:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships (including foreign partnerships)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Locally incorporated companies
- Charities and non-profit organisations
- Registered societies
- Representative offices
- Trade unions
For entity types that are not under ACRA’s purview, your UEN will be issued by any of the following UEN issuance agencies relevant to your entity type.
- Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC)
- Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)
- Ministry of Education (MOE)
- Ministry of Finance (MOF)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
- Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
- Ministry of National Development (MND)
- Registry of Societies (ROS)
- Singapore Land Authority (SLA)
UEN Format
Depending on your entity type and when the date it was formally registered with ACRA, the UEN will follow one of three preset formats. Some variations will occur depending on the respective UEN issuance agencies.
| Type of Entity | Type of Entity |
| Businesses registered with ACRA before 2009 | aaaaaaaaX |
| Business entities registered with ACRA after 2009 | TyyPQaaaaX |
| Local companies registered with ACRA after 2009 | yyyyaaaaaX |
| Legend a = Any number from 0 to 9 X = Check alphabet y = Year of incorporation/registration PQ = Entity identifier code (e.g., LL represents limited liability partnerships) | |
UEN Exemptions
Certain entities will not need to apply for a UEN, including:
- Entities that have occasional or one-off transactions and interactions with Singaporean government agencies.
- Offshore companies that do not engage with local government agencies.
- Entities with single/sole interactions with the Singapore government.
- Branches or divisions of Singapore companies.
- Individuals in Singapore (who only need to use their identification card)
Some government agencies may rely on special identifiers for sub-entities (like branches), which are linked to the primary entity’s UEN.
How to Obtain a UEN
Obtaining your entity’s UEN is automated, as it is issued after you formally register your entity with the relevant government agency (like ACRA).
Step 1: Choosing Your Business Structure
Are you operating a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a different type of entity? The entity type will influence the UEN format you will receive once you complete the registration/incorporation process.
Step 2: Register via Bizfile
The registration/incorporation process is performed via ACRA’s convenient online platform, Bizfile. Ensure you provide all relevant details about your entity, including its business name, registered address, and identification details of the business owners and directors.
Step 3: Consider Special UENs
During the registration/incorporation process, you can also opt to apply for a special UEN, referred to as a SUN. This SUN allows you to set up a preferred UEN combination based on one of two tiers:
- Tier 1 (SGD 3,000 per SUN) will enable you to pick a number combination that contains the number 8 (i.e., 8800) or uses repeated patterns (i.e., 1111)
- Tier 2 (SGD 1,000 per SUN) allows you to choose a number combination with a repetitive pattern (i.e., 1212) or ends with a triple identical number (i.e., 1777). Neither option should include the number 8.
Only a specific part of the SUN is customisable, as certain prefixes or suffixes (such as the check alphabet) are system-generated and cannot be changed.
Step 4: Receive Your UEN
Once your application is approved, you will receive your UEN together with your registration confirmation from ACRA. It will henceforth serve as your entity’s unique identifier for all transactions with Singaporean government agencies.
Performing a UEN Search
The convenient Bizfile Entity Search service allows the public to look up businesses and local companies registered with ACRA and other UEN issuance agencies. The service also helps to verify that a business is legitimate by providing access to all its registered information.
To find a company, simply visit Bizfile and enter the company’s name in the search bar located in the “Search for business information” section. You will then be provided with a list of matching businesses and access to various details, including their UEN, entity status, and registered address.
If you need help with the business registration process, My Office is here to help. We offer three corporate incorporation packages designed to set up a local company in Singapore with ease. We can help you fast-track the process while assuring your peace of mind with our accurate and timely service. Contact us today to find out more!
