Singapore UEN Guide 2026: What It Is, How to Get It, and How to Use It
Singapore UEN explained for 2026: what it is, UEN formats by entity type, how ACRA issues it, Special UEN costs, and how to check any company free on BizFile+.
What is a Singapore UEN and how do I get one?
A Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a standard 9 or 10-character identification number automatically issued by ACRA to every registered business in Singapore. It serves as your official corporate ID used across all government agencies, including IRAS and MOM.
Completely free. Included in your standard S$300 incorporation fee.
Auto-generated and issued the same day your company application is approved via the BizFile+ portal.
Permanent for the lifetime of your business entity. Never expires, no annual renewals.
📌 Key Takeaways
- One ID for everything — Your UEN works across ACRA, IRAS, MOM, and all government agencies.
- Free and automatic — No separate application. Issued instantly when your company is approved.
- Permanent for life — Never expires. No renewal fees. Valid as long as your entity exists.
- Want a memorable number? — Choose a Special UEN (SUN) during incorporation: Tier 2 (S$1,000) or Tier 1 (S$3,000).
- Verify any company — Free UEN search on BizFile+. Full business profile costs S$5.50.
Fast Facts
Every business registered in Singapore gets a Unique Entity Number (UEN). It is a single identifier that works across every government agency — ACRA, IRAS, and MOM — so you do not need separate registration numbers for tax, employment, and business filings. Singapore is one of the world's most business-friendly jurisdictions — find out why businesses choose Singapore as their regional base.
Your UEN appears on every invoice you send, every bank account you open, and every work pass application you submit. Foreign founders can own 100% of a Singapore company — and your UEN is issued the moment your company is approved. Not sure which structure suits you? See our guide on foreign business registration options in Singapore before you file. For the full registration process, visit our Singapore Incorporation pillar page and the Incorporation Guide 2026.
What is a UEN Number in Singapore?
A UEN is a standard identification number assigned to every entity registered in Singapore. ACRA introduced it in 2009 to replace multiple agency-specific numbers with one universal ID. Before 2009, businesses had different numbers for ACRA, IRAS, and MOM. The UEN replaced all of them.
Every company type in Singapore — private limited company, sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, society, or foreign company branch — receives a UEN at registration. It does not expire and cannot be transferred to another entity. Source: ACRA — Setting up a local company.
Is a UEN the same as a GST registration number?
This is one of the most common questions. The short answer: yes, for most companies – but only after you register for GST.
- UEN alone: Every registered entity has a UEN, regardless of GST status.
- GST number: Once your company registers for GST (mandatory above S$1M turnover), IRAS uses your UEN as your GST number.
- If you are not GST‑registered: You have a UEN but no GST number.
How to Get a UEN Number in Singapore
You do not apply for a UEN separately. ACRA issues it automatically when your entity is approved. There are two routes:
Auto-issued on registration
- Register your company via BizFile+
- First, select and reserve your company name (S$15 fee)
- ACRA approves — UEN is issued the same day
- No separate application needed
- Appears on your Certificate of Incorporation
Special UEN (SUN) — choose your number
- Select a preferred number at the payment stage on BizFile+
- Tier 2: S$1,000 (pattern numbers)
- Tier 1: S$3,000 (premium / numbers with 8)
- Fee is on top of the S$300 incorporation fee
- Must be chosen during registration — not available after
⭐ How to apply for a Special UEN (SUN) — step by step
The entire process is online via BizFile+. You select your preferred number at the payment stage — it cannot be added after incorporation is complete.
- Start your company incorporation on BizFile+.
- Select and reserve your company name (S$15 fee applies).
- Complete all company details (directors, shareholders, registered address).
- Reach the payment stage — a SUN selection option will appear.
- Browse available numbers and choose Tier 1 or Tier 2.
- Pay the SUN fee (S$1,000 or S$3,000) plus the S$300 incorporation fee.
- Your chosen number is issued on the Certificate of Incorporation the same day.
Premium numbers
- Consecutive identical digits (e.g., 11111111, 99999999)
- Any combination containing the digit 8 (e.g., 88888888)
- Most sought-after; limited availability
Pattern numbers
- Repetitive patterns not involving 8 (e.g., 12341234)
- Numbers ending with three identical digits (e.g., 12345111)
- Wider availability than Tier 1
🔗 Expanding to or from Malaysia? See our guides on Singapore‑Malaysia expansion and cross‑border taxation.
Singapore UEN Number Format Explained
The format depends on the entity type and when it was registered. All UENs end with a check letter (A–Z).
| Entity type | Issuing agency | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local company (post-2009) | ACRA | XXXXXXXXC | 201912345A |
| Local company (pre-2009) | ACRA | NNNNNNNNC | 19991234Z |
| Business / sole prop / partnership | ACRA | TYYPQnnnnnC | T08PF1234A |
| Registered society | ROS | SYYnnnnnnC | S88SS0001A |
| Foreign company (branch) | ACRA | FYYPQnnnnnC | F10FC1234A |
| Government entity | Various | TYYGSnnnnnC | T08GB1234A |
🔍 Look up any UEN
Enter a company name or UEN on ACRA's official portal. Free basic search.
Search BizFile+ →Full Business Profile (S$5.50) shows directors, shareholders, filing history.
✅ Verify a Singapore company
- Check entity status must be "Live"
- Buy Business Profile to confirm directors & shareholders
- Cross‑check UEN on invoices/letterheads
- For regulated sectors, verify licences via GoBusiness
What is Special UEN in Singapore?
A Special UEN (SUN) lets you choose a memorable or meaningful number for your company instead of accepting the system-generated default. The number stays with your company for life and appears on every legal document, invoice, corporate seal, bank account, and government filing your business ever produces. According to the 2026 Singapore Incorporation Report, demand for Special UENs continues to rise among foreign founders establishing premium brands in Singapore.
- ✅ Memorability: Staff, clients, and partners recall your number without looking it up.
- ✅ Brand identity: Your company number becomes part of your brand on letterheads and contracts.
- ✅ Auspicious numbers: Numbers containing 8 are highly auspicious in Chinese business culture.
- ✅ One-time cost, lifetime value: Pay once. Never expires. Never needs renewing.
- ✅ Cannot be changed later: Must be selected during incorporation — early planning is essential.
UEN for Foreign Entities Expanding into Singapore
Foreign companies expanding into Singapore through a Branch Office or Representative Office are also issued a UEN. This is critical for international businesses who need to manage payroll (MOM) and tax (IRAS) for their Singapore operations.
A Branch Office is an extension of the parent company. It receives a UEN starting with 'F' (e.g., F20261234A). This UEN is used for all local contracts and statutory filings.
ROs are for market research only. They receive a UEN from Enterprise Singapore (ESG) instead of ACRA. This UEN allows the RO to hire a limited number of staff via MOM.
If you are an international business owner looking to expand, our Singapore immigration and visa services can help you navigate the UEN requirements for your specific expansion model.
How to Check UEN Number Singapore (June 2026)
BizFile+ is the official portal for all UEN lookups. The basic search is free. A full business profile costs S$5.50.
Where to find the UEN of any Singapore company
- BizFile+ free search: Go to BizFile+. Enter the company name or UEN. Results are instant and free.
- Company documents: The UEN is printed on every invoice, letterhead, and official letter the company issues.
- Certificate of Incorporation: ACRA includes the UEN on the certificate issued at registration.
- Spot a SUN: If a company's UEN contains repeated 8s or a clear digit pattern, it is a Special UEN.
- Full Business Profile (S$5.50): Paid report from BizFile+ showing directors, shareholders, paid-up capital, and filing history.
How Can You Verify a Company in Singapore?
Verifying a Singapore company is straightforward. Follow these five steps:
- Step 1 — Search BizFile+: Enter the company name or UEN at BizFile+. Confirm the entity exists and is active.
- Step 2 — Check Live status: The entity status must show Live. Struck-off or under judicial management companies cannot trade legally.
- Step 3 — Buy a Business Profile (S$5.50): This gives you directors' names, shareholders, registered address, paid-up capital, and filing dates.
- Step 4 — Cross-check documents: The UEN on the company's invoices and letterheads must match the BizFile+ record exactly.
- Step 5 — Verify licences (if regulated): Check licences via GoBusiness and tax registration via IRAS. This matters for financial, food, and healthcare businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions — Singapore UEN
What is a UEN number in Singapore?
A UEN (Unique Entity Number) is a 9 or 10-character identifier issued by ACRA to every registered entity in Singapore. It replaced multiple agency-specific numbers in 2009. One number works across ACRA, IRAS, MOM, and all banks.
How do I get a UEN for my Singapore company?
Register your company on BizFile+. ACRA issues the UEN automatically on the same day your application is approved. See our full guide: How to register a company in Singapore.
Can I choose my own Singapore company registration number?
Yes — but only during incorporation. Select a Special UEN (SUN) on BizFile+ at the payment stage. Tier 2 costs S$1,000; Tier 1 costs S$3,000. You cannot choose or change your UEN after registration.
Is a UEN the same as a GST registration number?
Yes, for most entities. Once you register for GST with IRAS, your UEN becomes your GST number. If you are not GST-registered, you have a UEN but no GST number.
How do I search or verify a UEN for free?
Go to BizFile+ and enter the company name or UEN. The search is free. A full Business Profile costs S$5.50.
Does a UEN expire or need renewing?
No. A UEN is valid for the full lifetime of the entity. It does not expire and does not need annual renewal. It becomes inactive only when the company is struck off or wound up.
Do I need a UEN to open a corporate bank account in Singapore?
Yes. Every Singapore bank requires the UEN to open a corporate account. Your UEN must match your ACRA records exactly.
Can a foreigner register a company and get a UEN in Singapore?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company. A UEN is issued at registration regardless of the owner's nationality. You will need a Singapore-resident director to incorporate.
✓ Information verified with ACRA, Singapore Customs, and MOM as of June 2026. For the most current UEN requirements, always refer to ACRA's official website →
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