Starting and running a business in Singapore is rewarding, but it also comes with regulatory responsibilities. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is the governing body that oversees companies, business entities, and public accountants in Singapore.
Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or managing a family business, staying compliant with ACRA is not optional—it’s a legal obligation. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and in some cases, the striking off of your company.
To help you stay on track, here’s a practical ACRA compliance checklist for Singapore entrepreneurs.
1. Maintain a Registered Office Address
Every company in Singapore must have a registered office address that is accessible to the public during normal business hours.
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P.O. Boxes are not allowed.
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If you’re using a residential address, it must be approved under the Home Office Scheme.
2. Appoint a Local Resident Director
ACRA requires each company to appoint at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (Singapore Citizen, PR, or Employment/EntrePass holder).
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Nominee directors can be appointed if foreign shareholders have no local partners.
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Remember: directors carry legal responsibilities, not just symbolic roles.
3. File Annual Returns (AR)
Companies must file their Annual Return with ACRA within:
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7 months from the end of the financial year (for private companies).
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Include details of company officers, shareholders, and financial statements (if required).
Late filing attracts penalties that increase over time.
4. Hold Annual General Meetings (AGM)
Unless exempted, companies must hold an AGM to present financial statements to shareholders.
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Small companies may be exempt if they send financial statements within 5 months of financial year end.
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Private companies can also opt to dispense with AGMs if all shareholders agree.
5. Keep Proper Accounting Records
Singapore companies must maintain accurate and updated accounting records for at least 5 years.
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Use proper accounting software (cloud solutions like Xero or QuickBooks) to simplify compliance.
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Records should support all transactions, including invoices, receipts, and contracts.
6. Maintain Registers (RONS & ROND)
From 2025, companies must maintain and update:
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Register of Nominee Directors (ROND)
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Register of Nominee Shareholders (RONS)
These records must also be submitted to ACRA’s Central Register by the required deadlines.
7. Stay GST & Tax Compliant
Although ACRA oversees corporate filings, entrepreneurs must also ensure compliance with IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).
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File Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) and Corporate Income Tax on time.
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Register for GST if your business turnover exceeds SGD 1 million.
8. Engage a Reliable Company Secretary
Every Singapore company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
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The secretary ensures compliance with ACRA filings.
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A competent secretary or Corporate Service Provider (CSP) can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Compliance with ACRA is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about building a credible, trustworthy business in Singapore. By following this checklist, entrepreneurs can focus on growth, knowing that their governance and regulatory obligations are in order.
If keeping up with compliance feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing to a trusted Corporate Service Provider (CSP). They’ll ensure your filings, registers, and governance remain up to date—so you can focus on scaling your business with confidence.
Check out our website at https://ebos-sg.com/ to explore more articles and discover how our Cloud Accountant Services can support you on your business.
