What is Unique Entity Number (UEN) in Singapore
Last updated: March 2024
Understanding how businesses operate in Singapore begins with knowing about the Unique Entity Number (UEN) system. Whether you’re starting a new business or managing an existing one, knowing what UEN means is important. In this guide, we’ll explain UEN in simple terms, why it matters, and how it affects businesses in Singapore.
What is UEN?
UEN stands for Unique Entity Number in Singapore. Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a government-issued 9 or 10 digit ID is a distinct identification number assigned to business entities registered in Singapore, including companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited liability partnerships.
All registered businesses, local companies, LLPs, societies, etc., need a UEN. It’s permanent, unique, and streamlines interactions with government agencies. This unique identifier is used for various administrative and regulatory purposes, such as tax filing, business registration, and interaction with government agencies.
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Do all businesses need a UEN?
After UEN was introduced in 2009, all entities that are registered in Singapore listed below need to have a UEN:
- Businesses
- Local companies
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Societies
- Representative offices
- Healthcare institutions
- Trade unions
Do take note that your UEN is a permanent and unique number that cannot be changed if your business name changes. This unique number will also not be given to any other entity.
SSIC codes in Singapore
Which businesses are exempted from getting an UEN?
UEN will not be issued to the following:
- Individuals (required to have their own identification number)
- Foreign-based companies with no interaction with local government agencies
- Sub-entities of a Singapore company classified as a branch
Do take note that some government agencies may choose to add sub-entity codes to UEN in their system if they need to identify and communicate with the branches.
Where can you get your UEN from?
Businesses and local companies that are registered with ACRA will retain their ACRA registration number as their UEN. You will get your UEN upon company incorporation.
Below are the 3 UEN formats listed:
| Issued to | UEN format |
A | Businesses registered with ACRA | nnnnnnnnX (9 digits) |
B | Local companies registered with ACRA | yyyynnnnnX (10 digits) |
C | All other entities which will be issued new UEN | TyyPQnnnnX (10 digits) |
‘n’ = a number
‘P’= a alphabetical letter
‘Q’ = an alpha-numeric digit
‘PQ’ = Entity-type 2
‘Tyy’ / ‘Syy’ / ‘yyyy’= year of issuance
‘X’ = a check alphabet
For example, the UEN for a limited liability partnership (LLP)
formed on 1 January 2009 could be ‘T09LL0001B’.
If you are a foreign entity registered with ACRA, you will also be issued a UEN with ACRA and it will look like TyyUFnnnnX.
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Besides ACRA, there are many other UEN issuance agencies who are responsible for issuing the right UEN for all types of business entities. The agencies are listed below:
- The Ministry of Law
- The International Enterprise Singapore
- The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
- The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
- The Ministry of Defense
- The Ministry of Education
- The Ministry of Finance
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The Ministry of Health
- The Ministry of Communications and Information
- The Ministry of Manpower
- The Ministry of National Development
- The Monetary Authority
- The People’s Association
- The Registry of Societies
- The Singapore Land Authority
How do I find out about another entity’s UEN?
If you are looking for another company’s UEN that has been registered with ACRA, you can search for it via the directory search here. Upon searching, you will get to see the UEN, company name, UEN status, UEN issuance agency, entity type and partial address will appear on the website.
If the company is not registered with ACRA but other agencies (listed above), you can use the same directory search to find out more information.
How to register a company in Singapore
How to get a UEN number?
If your business is registered in Singapore, you can locate your UEN from your business profile. However, you will not have a UEN if your business is not registered yet. Read on for a brief guide on how to register your company in Singapore.
1) Choose a business structure
Singapore offers different business structures depending on your requirements. In most cases, Singapore-based business owners would choose a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), both of which have their unique offerings and conditions.
Private Limited companies (Pte Ltd) offer advantages such as limited liability, access to loans and grants, and ease of funding through new shareholders. However, they come with compliance requirements, including regular financial submissions, annual general meetings, and higher operational costs. On the other hand, Limited Liability Partnership companies (LLP) have lower registration costs, fewer compliance requirements, and perpetual existence. However, they face limitations in obtaining government loans and require a minimum of two partners, lacking ease of ownership transfer. Read about their differences here.
2) Register your company in Singapore
You can register your business using the BizFile+ website. It’s usually quick and can be done in one go, except for certain regulated industries like architecture, real estate, and defense.
For sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLPs, the fee for a 1-year registration is $115, or $175 for 3 years. You’ll need to renew if your business continues.
For companies, the one-time fee is $315, covering business name registration too.
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3) Decide if you want to get a special UEN (SUN)
Unique Entity Numbers (UENs) designated as Special UENs are specifically reserved for their aesthetically pleasing appearance and enhanced memorability. However, acquiring a Special UEN incurs supplementary expenses, in addition to the standard business registration fees. Further details regarding these additional costs are provided below.
There are two kinds of SUNs:
- Tier 1 SUNs have the same numbers in a row or have the number “8”. Examples are 20188888A, T18LL7777F, and 201800800K. These SUNs cost $3,000 each.
- Tier 2 SUNs have repeating patterns or end with three identical numbers. Examples are 201812121R, 53410101G, and T18LL1222N. These SUNs cost $1,000 each.
Regular UENs look random, like 201024853H and 201328326E.
Remember, you can only buy a SUN when you pay to register your business. You can’t change your UEN to a SUN later unless you register a new business or change your business type. For example, if you change your sole proprietorship to a company, you can get a SUN for your company then.
4) Check your UEN after registration
After completing the registration process, you will receive a business profile that includes your business information along with your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Furthermore, you can verify your UEN, or that of any other entity with a UEN, by conducting a complimentary search on either BizFile+ or UEN.gov.sg.
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Frequently asked questions
When do you need to display your UEN?
In Singapore, you need to display your Unique Entity Number (UEN) on all business letters, statements of account, invoices, official notices, and publications issued by your business entity.
Further, you must also use your UEN when interacting with government offices like ACRA, the Department of Statistics, the CPF Board, and IRAS.
Do you need to renew your UEN?
You need to renew your UEN when your business registration needs to be renewed, typically annually for certain business structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLPs. However, for companies, the UEN does not need renewal as it remains valid indefinitely.
Can you change your UEN?
No, once a Unique Entity Number (UEN) is issued to a business entity in Singapore, it cannot be changed. However, if there is a need to modify the business details associated with the UEN, such as a change in business activity or structure, the changes can be updated through the relevant government agencies, but the UEN itself remains the same.
Is the UEN same as GST number?
No, the Unique Entity Number (UEN) is different from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration number. The UEN is a unique identification number assigned to business entities in Singapore for regulatory purposes, while the GST number is specifically used for businesses registered for GST to collect and remit taxes on taxable supplies.
What is the purpose of a UEN?
The UEN serves as a unique identifier for entities operating in Singapore, facilitating transactions and interactions with government agencies.
Who needs to obtain a UEN?
All entities operating in Singapore, including companies, partnerships, and sole proprietors, must obtain a UEN.
How do I apply for a UEN?
You can apply for a UEN online through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) website.
Is there a fee for obtaining a UEN?
Yes, there is a fee associated with obtaining a UEN. The fee varies depending on the type of entity and the method of application.
How long does it take to receive a UEN after applying?
In most cases, you will receive your UEN immediately upon successful application.
Can I use my UEN for multiple businesses?
Yes, a single entity can use its UEN for multiple businesses or activities.
What information is included in a UEN?
A UEN typically includes the entity’s name, registration number, and other identifying details.
Is it mandatory to display the UEN on business documents?
Yes, entities are required to display their UEN on business documents such as invoices, receipts, and letterheads.
Do foreign entities operating in Singapore need a UEN?
Yes, foreign entities conducting business in Singapore are also required to obtain a UEN.
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