When you start a business in Singapore, you will be issued a Unique Entity Number, or UEN. This number is the single most important identifier for your company, acting as its official registration and identity number for all legal and administrative purposes.
Think of it as the “NRIC for your business.” From opening a bank account and signing an office lease to paying taxes and setting up payment systems, your UEN is the key that unlocks your ability to operate legally in Singapore.
This guide will provide a clear, business-focused breakdown of what a UEN is, its format, why it’s essential, and how to get and search for one.
Key Takeaways
- What It Is: The UEN (Unique Entity Number) is the standard, 9- or 10-digit identification number for any entity registered in Singapore.
- Issuing Body: It is issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or other government agencies upon successful business registration.
- Why It’s Essential: Your UEN is mandatory for all interactions with government agencies, including IRAS (for taxes) and the CPF Board. It is also required for opening corporate bank accounts and applying for licenses.
- How to Get It: You don’t apply for a UEN separately. It is automatically issued when you incorporate a company or register a business with ACRA.
- How to Search: You can instantly search for any business’s UEN for free using the ACRA BizFile+ portal.
What is a Unique Entity Number (UEN)?
A UEN is a unique alphanumeric identifier issued to any “entity” operating in Singapore. This includes:
- Local Companies (e.g., Pte. Ltd.)
- Businesses (e.g., Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Societies, Charities, and other legal entities
This “One UEN” initiative was launched by the government to simplify interactions between businesses and government agencies. Instead of juggling different ID numbers for IRAS, CPF, and ACRA, your UEN is now the single primary identifier used across all platforms.
Why is the UEN Essential for Your Business Operations?
Your UEN is not just a registration number; it is a functional tool required for almost every business activity:
- Interacting with Government Agencies: You will use your UEN for filing corporate taxes with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and making employee contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board.
- Opening a Corporate Bank Account: A bank will require your company’s ACRA BizFile and UEN to open a corporate bank account.
- Applying for Licenses and Permits: All government forms and applications for business licenses (e.g., food licenses, import/export permits) will require your UEN.
- Legal and Commercial Documents: Your UEN must be displayed on all official business documents, including invoices, contracts, and letterheads.
- PayNow Corporate Registration: To accept PayNow payments, you must link your corporate bank account to your UEN, allowing customers to pay you instantly using this identifier.
UEN Format & Examples
The format of your UEN depends on the type of entity you register. There are two main formats:
1. The 9-Digit ACRA-Registered UEN
This is the most common format, issued to all companies, businesses, and LLPs registered with ACRA on or after 1 January 2009.
- Format: YYYYMMDD# (9 digits, where the last character is an alphabetical check digit)
- Example: 202401001A
- Breakdown: This is now the standard format for all new local companies, businesses, and LLPs, typically composed of the year of registration followed by a unique serial number and check digit.
2. The 10-Digit UEN for All Other Entities
This format is used by various other entities, including societies, charities, and older businesses registered before 2009.
- Format: T##PQ####C (10 characters)
- Example: T08SS0001B (A society registered in 2008)
- Breakdown:
- T##: Year of issuance (e.g., T08 = 2008).
- PQ: Entity type (e.g., SS = Society).
- ####: Serial number.
- C: Check digit.
How to Get Your UEN (Registration)
This is the simplest part: you do not apply for a UEN separately.
Your UEN is issued to you automatically and instantly upon the successful registration of your business with ACRA.
- For Companies (Pte. Ltd.): You will receive your UEN as part of your “Notice of Incorporation” email after successfully incorporating on the BizFile+ portal.
- For Sole Proprietorships/Partnerships: You will receive your UEN immediately upon registering your business name on the BizFile+ portal.
The UEN is permanent and will remain the same for the entire lifespan of your business.
How to Search for a UEN in Singapore
If you need to verify a supplier, client, or your own UEN, you can do so for free in seconds.
Step 1: Go to the official ACRA BizFile+ portal (www.bizfile.gov.sg).
Step 2: On the homepage, use the “Search” bar.
Step 3: Type in the full or partial name of the business you want to find.
Step 4: The portal will display a list of matching businesses, showing their full name, UEN, and entity status (e.g., “Live,” “Struck Off”) in the search results.
Did You Know?
Your company’s UEN also functions as its official Tax Identification Number (TIN).
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) uses the UEN for all corporate tax matters,
making it the single identifier businesses need for tax filing and compliance.
The UEN’s Role in Modern Digital Payments
Your UEN is a critical component of Singapore’s digital payment infrastructure, especially for PayNow.
- PayNow Corporate: Businesses register for PayNow Corporate by linking their UEN to their corporate bank account.
- How it’s used: Customers can pay your business instantly by simply entering your UEN into their banking app. This is a common and highly efficient method for B2B payments and invoicing. A modern payment platform can automate this process, generating PayNow UEN payment requests and automatically reconciling them when paid.
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Conclusion
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is the foundational identifier for all legal, financial, and administrative activities for your business in Singapore. It is issued automatically upon registration with ACRA and is essential for everything from paying taxes to getting paid. Understanding and using your UEN correctly is the first step in operating a compliant and successful Singaporean company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Singapore Businesses
Is my UEN the same as my Tax ID number?
Yes. For companies, LLPs, and businesses registered with ACRA, the IRAS uses your UEN as your Tax Identification Number for all corporate income tax and GST purposes. This simplifies the process, as you only need to use one number.
Do freelancers or sole proprietors get a UEN?
A freelancer operating under their own personal name (NRIC) does not have a UEN. However, if that freelancer registers a business name with ACRA (as a sole proprietorship), they will be issued a UEN for that business.
Can I change my UEN?
No. A UEN is a permanent number assigned to a specific entity. It does not change, even if you change your business name or address. If you close your business (e.g., cease registration) and open a new one, you will be issued a new UEN for the new entity.
Where must I display my UEN?
According to the Companies Act, registered businesses must display their company name and UEN on all official business correspondence. This includes letterheads, invoices, receipts, official notices, and any form of business communication.
