A Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), certifying that an entity is registered in Singapore under the applicable Act. It states the company’s name, registration number, date of incorporation, and former names (if applicable).
This certificate isn’t issued automatically at the time of incorporation — it can be purchased via the ACRA BizFile portal whenever a business owner needs one.
How to Purchase a Certificate of Incorporation
- Visit the ACRA BizFile portal at www.bizfile.gov.sg
- Log in with Singpass or Corppass — login is required, otherwise the option to purchase a Certificate of Incorporation isn't shown (the login button is in the top right corner of the BizFile home page)
- Hover over 'Buy Information' then select 'Other Information' -> 'Certificates' -> 'Buy Now'
- Enter the business registration number in the 'Entity Search' box
- Complete the captcha
- Click the 'buy information' link in the search result panel
- Choose 'Certificate Confirming Incorporation of Company'
Two versions are available for purchase — electronic and hardcopy — at a fee of S$50 per report.
Electronic vs. Hardcopy Versions
The electronic version is generated automatically and does not carry a signature. Once payment is successful, it can be downloaded from the link provided in the email under “Messages” in the BizFile portal. Alternatively, an email with the download link is sent within 30 minutes of successful payment.
If you require a signed certificate — for example, for submission to an overseas authority — you can instead purchase the hardcopy version, which is signed by an ACRA officer. Once purchased via BizFile, the hardcopy certificate is available for collection at ACRA’s reception, or ACRA can post it to a specified address.