Every company incorporated in Singapore is legally required to have a registered office address within the country. This address serves as the official point of contact for all formal communications and notices. Understanding the requirements and options for your registered office is a crucial step in ensuring your company’s compliance with Singaporean law.

This guide will walk you through the essential requirements for a registered office address as mandated by the Singapore Companies Act 1967, and explore the different options available to your business.

 

What Are the Legal Requirements for a Registered Office Address?

 

Under the Companies Act, every company must have a registered office in Singapore from the date of its incorporation]. This address cannot be a simple Post Office (P.O.) box; it must be a physical address where documents can be delivered and received.

The key requirements stipulated under Section 142 of the Companies Act are:

  • Physical Location in Singapore: The address must be a physical location in Singapore, not just a P.O. Box.
  • Public Accessibility: The office must be open and accessible to the public for at least three hours during ordinary business hours on weekdays. This is to ensure that official documents, such as legal notices, can be served to the company.
  • ACRA Registration: The address must be officially registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Any change to the registered office address must be lodged with the Registrar within 14 days.

 

What Are Your Options for a Registered Office Address?

 

Businesses in Singapore have several flexible options when it comes to choosing a registered office address.

1. Physical Commercial Address

The most conventional option is to rent or purchase a physical commercial office space. This is a suitable choice for businesses that require a physical presence for their day-to-day operations.

2. Home Office Scheme (HOS)

For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, using a residential address as the registered office is a cost-effective solution. This is permissible under the Home Office Scheme.

  • HDB Properties: If you live in an HDB flat, you can apply for approval from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to use your address as the company’s registered office.
  • Private Residential Properties: For private properties, approval can be obtained from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

The Home Office Scheme is designed to help reduce the start-up costs for small businesses by allowing entrepreneurs to operate from their homes.

3. Virtual Office Address

A virtual office address is an increasingly popular option for both local and foreign companies. This service provides a professional business address without the costs associated with a physical office lease. The service provider handles mail and sometimes offers call-forwarding services.

It is crucial to ensure that the virtual office provider is a registered filing agent and provides a genuine physical address that complies with ACRA’s requirements.

 

Changing Your Registered Office Address

 

A company can change its registered office address at any time. The process is straightforward but must be done in compliance with the Companies Act.

  1. Board Resolution: The board of directors must pass a resolution to approve the change of address.
  2. Notify ACRA: A notice of the change must be lodged with ACRA within 14 days of the resolution being passed. The change becomes effective from the date the notice is lodged with the Registrar.

Until the notice is lodged, the old address remains the official registered office for the purpose of serving documents.

 

Displaying Company Name and Registration Number

 

While it is no longer a requirement for a company to physically display its name at its registered office, it is mandatory under Section 144 of the Companies Act to include the full company name and registration number on all business correspondence. This includes:

  • Business letters
  • Statements of account
  • Invoices and official notices
  • Bills of exchange and promissory notes
  • Cheques and letters of credit

This ensures that any party dealing with the company can easily identify it.

Navigating the requirements for a registered office address and other corporate secretarial matters can be complex. If you require assistance or tailored advice for your business, the experienced team at Raffles Corporate Services Pte Ltd is here to help.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the right registered office address is a foundational step for any Singapore company. Whether you opt for a traditional commercial space, a home office, or a virtual address, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act is essential for the smooth operation of your business.

For further assistance or inquiries, you can contact the Raffles Corporate Services team via email at [email protected].

 

Yours sincerely,
The editorial team at Raffles Corporate Services