How to Check a Business Registration Number in Singapore

To check a business registration number in Singapore, the official way is to use the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) BizFile+ online search platform. You can enter the business registration number or the business name to confirm if the number is valid and to see details like the business status and registration date. This verification is important to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate company.

Why this comes up / what goes wrong

Small business owners often need to check a business registration number when they want to verify a supplier, partner, or customer. For example, before signing a contract or making a payment, you want to confirm the company is legally registered. Problems occur when the registration number provided is incorrect, belongs to a different business, or the business is no longer active. Without proper verification, you risk dealing with unregistered or fraudulent entities, which can lead to financial loss or legal issues.

Step-by-step

1. Go to the ACRA BizFile+ website

• Open your web browser and enter the URL https://www.bizfile.gov.sg NEEDS EXPERT REVIEW.

1. Find the Business Entity Search option

• On the homepage, look for the section or link labelled "Business Entity Search" or "Entity Search".

1. Enter the business registration number or business name

• If you have the business registration number, enter it exactly as it appears (e.g., "201912345K").
• If you only have the business name, type it carefully to avoid spelling mistakes.

1. Review the search results

• Check that the business name in the results matches the one you are verifying.
• Confirm the business registration number shown matches the number you entered.
• Note the business status (e.g., Active, Inactive, Dissolved).

1. Download or record the business details

• You may have the option to download an official business profile or statement for a fee.
• Record important details such as registration date, business status, and entity type.

1. Verify the details against your records

• Ensure all the information aligns with what you have or what the business provided.

Checking these details helps you avoid risks and ensures you work with legitimate companies.

Example (fictional figures)

Suppose you are a renovation contractor in Jurong verifying a supplier named "Jurong Supplies Pte Ltd" with the business registration number "201912345K".

1. You visit the ACRA BizFile+ website.
2. You enter "201912345K" in the business registration number search field.
3. The search returns the following details:

• Business Name: Jurong Supplies Pte Ltd
• Business Registration Number: 201912345K
• Status: Active
• Registration Date: 15/04/2019

1. You confirm the business name and registration number match the supplier's documents.
2. You note the supplier has been active since 15/04/2019.

This confirms Jurong Supplies Pte Ltd is a legally registered and active company.

Common mistakes

• Entering incorrect or incomplete registration numbers: Always double-check the number for typos before searching to avoid wrong results.
• Using outdated or misspelled business names: Businesses may change names; use the current registered name or registration number for accurate results.
• Ignoring the business status: A business might be dissolved or inactive; always check the status before proceeding.
• Relying on unofficial sources: Only use the ACRA BizFile+ website for accurate and official information.
• Assuming registration guarantees reliability: Registration confirms the company exists but does not guarantee quality or business conduct.

To manage your leads and contacts efficiently while verifying business details, consider a CRM that integrates communication channels. For example, HelloGrowthCRM for Singapore supports WhatsApp and SMS communication to keep your sales process organised. Features like WhatsApp and SMS CRM and a built-in CRM dialer help you follow up quickly and avoid losing leads.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a business registration number for free? You can perform a basic search for free on the ACRA BizFile+ website to view business names and registration numbers. However, downloading detailed business profiles or certificates usually requires payment. Check the official site for current fees and services.

What should I do if the business registration number does not match the business name? If the registration number and business name do not match, do not proceed with any transactions. Contact the business for clarification or verify again on ACRA BizFile+. Mismatches can indicate errors or potential fraud.

How often should I verify business registration numbers? Verify registration numbers when starting a new business relationship or periodically for ongoing partners. This ensures you are aware of any changes in business status or ownership.

Can I check business registration numbers using a mobile device? Yes, the ACRA BizFile+ website is mobile-friendly and accessible via mobile browsers. To stay organised and responsive while verifying leads, a CRM with integrated communication like HelloGrowthCRM can be useful.

Key takeaways

• Use the official ACRA BizFile+ website to check business registration numbers.
• Enter the exact registration number or business name for accurate search results.
• Confirm the business status and registration details before proceeding with transactions.
• Avoid common mistakes such as typos, outdated names, and ignoring business status.
• Verify business registration regularly to reduce risks in your business dealings.
• Consider using a CRM like HelloGrowthCRM to organise leads and communicate efficiently.

Start on the Free Forever plan (200 leads, no credit card) at HelloGrowthCRM to organise your contacts and leads effectively.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm the current position with IRAS or your accountant before acting.