GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is an arm of the Ministry of Finance of the Singapore government. ACRA is tasked as the national regulatory authority of corporate service providers, business entities, and public accountants in Singapore. Anything that is related to businesses and their operations usually falls under the jurisdiction of ACRA. As such, they keep a database of all the businesses in Singapore.
If you are a Building Construction Authority’s (BCA) registered contractor then you are required to notify BCA with the change in your registered address.
If you are a CPF account holder as an employer, you also need to inform andupdate the CPF board about the change in registered address.
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) is another arm of the Ministry of Finance that focus mostly on tax collection.
A change in the ACRA Bizfile database will reflect on the IRAS file on a weekly basis. For example, any changes made during 02-Aug-2021 08-Aug-2021 will be updated by 15-Aug-2021.
However, if you need to do a change of address in IRAS for any urgent matters such as receiving a grant or correspondence, you can send over an email via the myTax Mail that contains the following information like:
- Tax reference number of the company:
- Name of the company:
- New Address as updated with ACRA:
No other supporting documents will be needed to be sent to IRAS.
MOM
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore, handles labour policies and everything labour/workforce related in Singapore.
If there is a change in the company’s registered address, you should also update your Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit holders as well. To do this, you need to go to EP Online and update your address.
Other Government Agencies (including any licence issuing authority)
Once you have updated your registered address with ACRA records, If you would like the mailing address to be changed to your new registered address, you may wish to liaise with the respective Government Agencies for the changes such as Customs, HPB, NEA, SFA, SPF, Etc.
PRIVATE PARTIES
Once you have updated your registered address on ACRA, If you would like the mailing address to be changed to your new registered address, you may wish to contact your respective bank(s) to have that updated for you.
It’s important to notify your customers with the new registered address.
Even though the working employees will be aware of moving to the new address, some employees who are on longer leave such as maternity leave may not be aware of new address. Hence, it will be appropriate to send an internal circular officially to notify all the employees about the new address.
While they might be one of the first people to know of a potential move, sending out a document informing when and where you are moving is always a good move. Be reminded that not all your investors check on your business on a daily basis. Majority of bigger investors get updates every now and then while there are others who get a monthly report.
This not only shows the respect you have for your investors but also reassures them of their importance in your business.
First, change your address on your website. Next, change your address and announce your transfer on your social media accounts. Lastly, you might want to check for any listings you have on online directories and update accordingly. Make sure that all the places where your company appears, has the correct and updated address.
If you have had a change in address, it’s best to let your suppliers know as soon as possible. This is to make sure they can easily adjust their schedule in delivering what they are supposed to do for you on time without having to disrupt their routine.
Notes:
- This is not the complete list hence it may vary depending on your nature of business and transactions with various parties involved.
- For some Agencies, you may need to write under your letterhead or some specific format to notify the change and for others you may need to login into the agencies portals to update the change electronically.
- We hope this list will be useful to your business when is a change in your registered address of the business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Change of Registered Address in Singapore
What is a registered address for a business in Singapore?
A registered address is the official business address filed with ACRA where all statutory documents and government notices are sent. It must be a physical address in Singapore and accessible during normal business hours.
Can I change my company’s registered address in Singapore?
Yes, a company can change its registered address anytime by updating ACRA via BizFile+. The change must be lodged within 14 days from the date of change.
What is the process to change a registered address with ACRA?
The company must pass a board resolution (if applicable) and submit the change through BizFile+. The update is typically processed instantly upon successful submission.
How long does it take to update a registered address in Singapore?
In most cases, the update is immediate once filed with ACRA through BizFile+, unless further review is required.
Is there a penalty for late update of registered address?
Yes, failing to update the registered address within 14 days may result in penalties under the Companies Act.
Can I use a residential address as my registered office?
Yes, but approval under the Home Office Scheme (HDB or URA) is required before using a residential address as a business registered address.
Can a Pte Ltd company use a virtual office as its registered address?
Yes, many companies use virtual office services as their registered address, provided the address meets ACRA requirements and is accessible during office hours.
Do I need to inform IRAS when changing my business address?
Generally, updating ACRA will automatically update IRAS records. However, it is good practice to verify that all government agencies have the updated address.
Does changing registered address affect business operations?
No, it does not affect your business operations, but you should inform banks, clients, and vendors to ensure smooth communication.
What documents are required to change a registered address?
Typically, no physical documents are required for ACRA filing, but you should have internal approval and valid address details before submission.
Can a sole proprietorship or partnership change its registered address?
Yes, all business entities in Singapore, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, can update their registered address through ACRA.
Why is it important to keep the registered address updated?
The registered address is used for official communication from ACRA, IRAS, and other authorities. An outdated address may result in missed notices, penalties, or compliance issues.
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