{"id":20137,"date":"2018-02-09T17:06:11","date_gmt":"2018-02-09T09:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/?page_id=20137"},"modified":"2026-04-24T13:55:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T05:55:10","slug":"choosing-preferred-uen-identification","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/incorporation\/choosing-preferred-uen-identification\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Your Preferred UEN Identification"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Your Go-to Guide for Selecting UEN For Businesses in Singapore<\/h2>\n

All businesses and companies legally operating in Singapore share one essential feature: they are each assigned a Unique Entity Number (UEN). This unique identifier, mandated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), is required for all registered businesses and serves as their official identification for interactions with government agencies. If you’re setting up a new business or managing an established business, understanding how to obtain UEN and use your UEN is vital. In this guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about the UEN, equipping you to navigate Singapore\u2019s corporate landscape confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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What is the UEN number?<\/h2>\n

The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is a government-issued 9 or 10-digit identification number assigned to all registered business entities, including companies, sole proprietorships, and limited liability partnerships. It is a permanent, unique identifier that simplifies interactions with government agencies.<\/span> Your UEN is your one number for convenient interaction with government agencies. Whether\u00a0<\/span>filing your corporate tax returns<\/a> or applying for import and export permits, you will no longer need to use different numbers to interact with\u00a0<\/span>government agencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> UEN Identification Number in Singapore is mandatory because businesses, <\/span>local companies, LLPs, societies, and similar entities<\/span> must rely on it when transacting and dealing with government agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a company has been incorporated and registered with the <\/span>Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)<\/span><\/a> in Singapore, a UEN number will be generated, which will be used to identify the registered business<\/a> entity moving forward. This number is generated free of charge for all businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did the UEN come about?<\/h3>\n

UEN is an iGov2010 initiative to delight customers and connect citizens through Infocomm. It is a multi-agency initiative, co-led by the Ministry of Finance and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and managed by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore in partnership with other government agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The proposal to have a UEN was mooted in 2005. A public consultation exercise was carried out from December 2005 to January 2006. Currently, government agencies do not have a common identification number for entities. Entities have to use different identification numbers to interact with different government agencies. This is inconvenient for the entities and inefficient for the government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The UEN, being a single identification number for interactions with the government<\/span>,<\/span> will bring convenience, simplify and reduce possible errors caused by using multiple numbers, thus speeding up transactions with government agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How do you obtain a UEN Number in Singapore?<\/h2>\n

After registering business in Singapore, you can find your Unique Entity Number (UEN) on your business profile. However, if your business is not yet registered, you will not have a UEN. Here\u2019s a step-by-step process on how to register your business and obtain your UEN:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Choose Your Business Structure<\/b><\/p>\n

Singapore offers various business structures, each tailored to different needs. Most business owners opt for either a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) company or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), each with distinct advantages and requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Register Your Business in Singapore<\/b><\/p>\n

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You can easily complete your company registration<\/a> through the BizFile+ portal. The registration process is quick and typically completed in one session, except for certain regulated industries like architecture, real estate, and defence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

3. Consider a Special UEN (SUN)<\/b><\/p>\n

You can opt for a Special UEN (SUN), a unique, memorable number with an aesthetically pleasing design. Acquiring a Special UEN comes with an additional cost beyond the regular business registration fees. Since February 9, 2018, business owners can choose their preferred UEN number. You can select from a list of reserved UENs during the registration or conversion process for a small fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Special UEN(SUN) is optional; if you don\u2019t need a personalized number, you can stick with the system-generated UEN assigned automatically.<\/span><\/p>\n