Executive Summary
The Registrar of Companies (ROC) Singapore, now managed by ACRA Singapore, oversees company registration, record-keeping, and compliance. When you register a business, you receive a Company ROC Number Singapore (also known as the Unique Entity Number, or UEN), which is mandatory for tax filings, contracts, invoices, and opening corporate bank accounts. Compliance includes annual return filing and financial reporting, with penalties for late or inaccurate submissions. Foreign companies can register subsidiaries, branch offices, or representative offices in Singapore, but they must appoint a nominee director. Partnering with experts like Lanturn ensures smooth company incorporation and ongoing ROC/ACRA compliance.
Estimated reading time: 9-10 minutes
Introduction
Singapore has one of the most business-friendly landscapes in the world, and its transparent company registration system is a big reason why. At the centre of this system lies the Registrar of Companies (ROC): the government authority responsible for company incorporation, record-keeping, compliance monitoring, and other legislation pertaining to companies in Singapore.
If you are planning a Company Incorporation in Singapore, understanding the ROC (now managed under ACRA Singapore) is essential. This guide explains what the Registrar of Companies does, why it matters for your business, how to obtain your ROC number, and what you must do to remain compliant.
What is the Registrar of Companies in Singapore?
The Registrar of Companies (ROC) is the official authority tasked with overseeing company registrations and corporate records in Singapore. In the past, the ROC existed as a standalone entity. Since 2004, however, its responsibilities have been merged into the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore.
Registrar of Companies: Meaning and Global Context
Globally, the Registrar of Companies’ meaning is straightforward: it is the government authority, department, or agency that regulates company incorporation, maintains a database of registered entities, and ensures compliance. Different countries may call it by different names:
- UK: Companies House
- India: Registrar of Companies (under Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
- Australia: ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
- Singapore: Registrar of Companies (now under ACRA)
Regardless of the jurisdiction, the ROC ensures transparency and accountability by maintaining an official register of businesses. This system enables governments to regulate more effectively, investors to verify information more easily, and businesses to establish credibility.
Role of ROC in Singapore company incorporation
In Singapore, the ROC plays a crucial role in:
- Registering new companies and issuing unique ROC numbers.
- Maintaining official corporate records such as directors, shareholders, and registered addresses.
- Monitoring compliance with statutory obligations, like annual return filing.
- Enforcing penalties against non-compliant companies.
ROC is like the teacher who monitors students. Without going through the ROC/ACRA process, no business can legally operate in Singapore.
What is a Unique Entity Number or ROC Number in Singapore?
Every registered company in Singapore is assigned a unique identifier known as the ROC Number Singapore (commonly referred to as the Unique Entity Number or UEN).
Company ROC number Singapore definition
The company’s ROC number in Singapore is the official number issued by ACRA upon incorporation. It is like the business’s identity in all legal, tax, and corporate matters. Think of it as an ID card, but just the corporate version of it.
- Format: Typically starts with the year of incorporation, followed by unique alphanumeric digits. For example, for businesses, (like sole proprietorships) – 8 numbers followed by a check alphabet.
- Use: Must appear on all official documents, invoices, contracts, and statutory filings.
How to check ROC number in Singapore (via ACRA BizFile+)
You can perform a Singapore Registrar of Companies search easily via BizFile+, ACRA’s official online platform.
Steps:
- Go to the ACRA BizFile+ portal.
- Use the “Entity Search” function.
- Enter the company name or ROC number.
- Retrieve basic company details for free, or purchase a detailed business profile for a small fee.
This service is beneficial for:
- Verifying a potential supplier or partner.
- Verifying if a company is still in operation.
- Reviewing basic ownership information and other company details.
Importance of ROC numbers for compliance and reporting
The ROC number Singapore is not just any number, nor is it a formality. Instead, it’s essential for compliance.
- Required for tax filing with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
- Needed to open corporate bank accounts.
- Must be displayed on all invoices and contracts.
- Used when submitting annual returns and financial statements.
- Acts as the official reference in all government and legal records.
Without a valid ROC number, there is no legal or operational basis for your business in Singapore. It is considered unregistered and cannot operate.
Registrar of Companies Singapore ACRA
Relationship between ACRA and ROC
In 2004, Singapore streamlined its corporate regulatory system by merging the Registrar of Companies and the Public Accountants Board into one authority: ACRA Singapore.
Why was ROC merged into ACRA in 2004
The main reasons for the merger were:
- Efficiency: One unified regulator instead of multiple bodies to streamline the regulation of companies’ compliance with disclosure requirements and monitor the auditing of public accounts and public accountants.
- Clarity: Businesses now only deal with one authority for company and accounting matters.
- Global Competitiveness: Simplified processes create synergy, making Singapore an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors.
What ACRA does today as an ROC authority
Today, ACRA Singapore is responsible for:
- Company incorporation and deregistration.
- Maintaining the register of companies and public accountants.
- Regulating corporate service providers.
- Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act.
- Enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
- Providing online services through BizFile+ for easier company management.
Although the term Registrar of Companies Singapore is still used, the actual authority is now ACRA.
Compliance & Filing Requirements with ROC Singapore
Running a company in Singapore is straightforward, but it is essential to meet strict compliance requirements.
Annual return filing obligations
Every Singapore company is required to file an annual return with ACRA within five months (for listed companies) or seven months (for non-listed companies) after the end of its financial year. The return includes:
- Company particulars (directors, shareholders, registered address).
- Financial statements (unless exempt).
- Confirmation of compliance with the Companies Act.
Financial reporting
Depending on size, companies may also need to prepare audited financial statements. Larger firms (with revenue exceeding SGD 10 million or assets exceeding SGD 10 million) are required to undergo audits, while smaller companies can file unaudited financial statements. A company qualifies as a small company if it meets the following criteria:
- It is a private company in the financial year in question, and
- It meets at least 2 of the three following criteria for the immediate past two consecutive financial years:
- Total Annual Revenue is less than or equal to $10 million.
- Total Assets are less than or equal to $10 million.
- The number of employees is 50 or fewer.
Penalties for non-compliance with ROC Singapore
Failure to comply can result in:
- Penalties for late filing of annual returns can range from a late lodgement fee of $300 to $600, plus a minimum composition fee of $500 (if imposed), or prosecution for repeat offences.
- Court summons for directors.
- Striking off the company.
- Disqualification of directors for repeated offences.
- In cases of wilful non-compliance or any suspicion of fraudulent intent, consequences can be as severe as imprisonment.
For startups, such penalties can be damaging both financially and to their reputation.
How Lanturn helps businesses stay compliant
At Lanturn, we support businesses with:
- Set up and compliance
- Timely filing of annual returns.
- Preparing and filing financial statements.
- Acting as Company Secretary.
- Offering nominee director services in Singapore for foreign-owned entities.
With expert support, you can focus on growth while we manage compliance.
How to Register a Company with the Registrar of Companies Singapore
Registering a business in Singapore is a streamlined process, mainly due to the digital services offered by ACRA. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
| Steps | Action | Details |
| Step 1: Reserve the company name with ACRA/ROC | Submit a name application via ACRA BizFile+ | Ensure the proposed name is unique, not identical to an existing company, and does not contain prohibited terms. Name reservation is valid for 120 days. |
| Step 2: Appoint directors and shareholders | Appoint at least one local director (can be a Singapore Citizen, PR, or holder of an EntrePass/Employment Pass with LOC). | Foreign companies can appoint a Nominee Director in Singapore if they don’t have a local resident director. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities. |
| Step 3: File incorporation with ROC Singapore | File incorporation documents via BizFile+ | Documents include the company constitution, details of directors/shareholders, registered office address, and share capital information. |
| Step 4: Obtain the ROC number and start the business | Once approved, ACRA issues a Company ROC Number Singapore (also known as the UEN or Unique Entity Number). | The ROC number is required for all statutory filings, tax submissions, contracts, and to open a corporate bank account in Singapore. |
Why the ROC Matters for Startups and Businesses in Singapore
The ROC Singapore framework supports transparency, accountability, compliance, and trust in the corporate ecosystem.
Ensures transparency in Singapore’s corporate ecosystem
With all companies registered and searchable online, investors, partners, and the public, including foreign investors, can quickly verify the legitimacy of businesses.
Helps investors verify businesses
Before investing, venture capitalists and angel investors use the Singapore Registrar of Companies search to verify a company’s existence and examine its shareholder structures.
Mandatory for opening corporate bank accounts
Banks require the company’s ROC number in Singapore to open a bank account. Without it, you cannot process payments, receive investments, or sign contracts legally.
Builds long-term credibility
Having an ROC-registered entity in Singapore signals professionalism, stability, and legitimacy to global clients and partners.
Foreign Companies and the ROC Singapore
Foreign businesses often ask how they can operate in Singapore under the ROC system. There are three main pathways:
- Subsidiary company: A separate legal entity registered under ROC/ACRA. This is the most common option.
- Branch office: An extension of the foreign parent company, registered with ROC/ACRA but not a separate legal entity.
- Representative office: Not allowed to conduct business, only market research and liaison activities.
All require a local or nominee director in Singapore to meet legal requirements.
How Lanturn Supports Your ROC & ACRA Compliance
Lanturn understands that compliance can be tricky and daunting for organizations of all sizes, including startups and SMEs. That’s where we come in.
ROC/ACRA company registration services
We handle the entire process of Company Incorporation in Singapore, from name reservation to obtaining your ROC number.
Company secretary and accounting services
As required by law, every company is required to appoint a company secretary. Lanturn provides qualified professionals who seamlessly manage accounting, reporting, and secretarial obligations.
Ongoing ROC filing and compliance management
From annual return filing to drafting shareholder resolutions, we ensure your company stays compliant with the Registrar of Companies Singapore ACRA rules.
Contact Lanturn today to ensure a smooth company incorporation and ROC compliance process.
FAQs
What is the ROC number in Singapore?
It is the unique identifier (also known as UEN, or Unique Entity Number) assigned to a company by ACRA upon incorporation. It is required for all contracts, invoices, bank accounts, and tax filings.
How do I find my company's ROC number in Singapore?
You can search for it on BizFile+ by entering your company name. A paid business profile search provides comprehensive details, including the names of directors and shareholders.
Is the Registrar of Companies Singapore the same as ACRA?
Yes. Since 2004, the functions of the ROC have been absorbed into ACRA Singapore, making ACRA the sole authority for company registration and corporate regulation.
How to do a Singapore Registrar of Companies search?
Go to BizFile+, enter the company name or number, and you’ll see the results. This is useful for investors and potential partners to verify legitimacy.
Can foreign companies register with the ROC Singapore?
Yes. They can register subsidiaries, branch offices, or representative offices. However, all must appoint a local or nominee director in Singapore.
How can foreign businesses register with the ROC Singapore?
Foreign businesses typically appoint a corporate service provider, such as Lanturn, which handles the incorporation process with ACRA on their behalf.
What are the penalties for late filing with the ROC Singapore?
Late filings of annual returns incur penalties ranging from SGD 300 to SGD 600. Chronic non-compliance can result in prosecution (or a minimum composition fee of SGD 500), disqualification of directors, striking off the company, or even imprisonment for wilful non-compliance.
What is the Registrar of Companies' meaning in Singapore law?
It refers to the official authority overseeing company registration and regulation. Since 2004, this role has been performed by ACRA Singapore.
Final Thoughts
The Registrar of Companies Singapore (ROC), now managed by ACRA Singapore, is at the heart of Singapore’s thriving business environment. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign business, you must go through the ROC/ACRA to legally incorporate and operate in Singapore.
From obtaining your ROC number in Singapore to meeting annual compliance obligations, staying aligned with ROC rules ensures your business operates smoothly and builds credibility in one of the world’s most trusted financial hubs.
And if you’re looking for expert help, Lanturn is here to simplify the process and handhold your company through every step, right from incorporation to compliance management.
Contact Lanturn today to ensure a smooth company incorporation and ROC compliance process.
