FAQs on the new Bizfile
Topic: Contact Address
Q1: Can a person use a different Contact Address for different companies in which he is an officer?
A: No. The Contact Address is intended to be the place where a person can be located, and this should be the same place for any particular individual, regardless of how many companies in which he/she is holding position as an officer.
Q2: Can CSPs file a Contact Address once for a position holders with multiple companies/entities (i.e. LLP, LPs, business)?
A: CSPs can file a Contact Address once for a position holder with multiple companies/entities.
Q3: Can all the directors use the same company address as Contact Address?
A: Yes, provided that the company address is one where they can be located. However, if there is a foreign director, he will not be able to use the company address as his Contact Address because he may not be located i.e. physically present at that company’s address.
Q4: If a CSP’s client holds position in multiple entities, must the CSP file a Contact Address for each entity?
A: The CSP will only need to file a Contact Address for one of the entities. The same Contact Address will be updated for all associated entities.
Q5: Can a CSP client provide different Contact Addresses for different entities?
A: No, you can only provide one Contact Address for all associated entities.
Q6: Can a CSP client provide a Contact Address in Singapore if he/she is residing overseas currently?
A: No, your client’s Contact Address must be in the same jurisdiction as the Residential Address. For example, if your Residential Address is in Malaysia, you cannot provide a Contact Address in Singapore, and vice versa.
Q7: Do corporate shareholders need to provide Contact Address?
A: No, Contact Address serves as protection for individuals’ residential addresses and does not apply to corporate shareholders.
Q8: Will there be any fees to add Contact Address in the new Bizfile?
A: No, there is no fee for adding a Contact Address.
Q9: Do the CSP need to ask their clients to provide proof of address to update their contact address?
A: CSPs will need to advise their clients to provide an address where they can be physically located.
Topic: CSP Client List
Q1: Where can I see the clients that my CSP firm is authorised to file for on the post-login dashboard?
A: Only authorised position holders and appointed RQIs of the CSP may access its clients listing. They may view it via the “My Clients” link on the post-login dashboard.
Q2: I have a long list of clients; do I have to scroll through all the client names to locate the client for filing transaction?
A: You can use the search function in "My Profile" page to search for your client by entering the entity name or UEN.
Q3: What if one of my clients is missing from my client list?
A: All existing clients in BizFile+ will be migrated to the new Bizfile. In the new Bizfile, clients of CSPs will be able to view and manage their appointed CSPs on their post-login dashboard. CSPs may also access their client list and check the name of the person who initiated the withdrawal in this list.
Q4: Can the Registered Qualified Individual (RQI) appointed under my CSP firm file for the client on my approved client list?
A: Yes. All appointed RQIs and the CSP’s authorized employees will be able to file on behalf of the CSP’s clients.
Q5: Will the Registered Qualified Individual appointed under my CSP firm file be able to see my approved client list?
A: Yes. Only authorised position holders and appointed RQIs of the CSP may access its clients listing.
Q6: Will the client of the CSP be able to see the CSPs that have added them into their client list?
A: Yes. In the new Bizfile, clients of CSPs will be able to view and manage their appointed CSPs on their post-login dashboard. Authorised position holders of the client may choose to remove the filing access of the CSP that they are no longer engaging to perform filing.
Topic: Endorsement by CSP Client
Q1: Why does ACRA require the client to endorse the CSP appointment before they can file for the client?
A: The endorsement process ensures that the CSPs can only act on behalf of the new client after the client has endorsed the appointment. This measure ensures proper governance of filing access and mitigate the risk of unauthorised filing or data access.
Q2: Does the client need to have Singpass/Corppass to perform the endorsement of CSP in new Bizfile?
A: The client must have a Corppass to endorse any new appointment of CSP in the new Bizfile portal.
Q3: How do foreign directors without Singpass/Corppass endorse the appointment of the CSP?
A: CSPs only need to add clients to their list after the entity has been incorporated or registered. At that point, the authorised position holders (e.g. local director or company secretary) of the client must provide the endorsement using the client’s Corppass.
Q4: Do the existing clients of the CSP need to endorse their appointment in the new Bizfile?
A: No. All existing clients in BizFile+ will be migrated to the new Bizfile system. CSPs will not need to obtain new endorsements from these existing clients. Only newly added clients in the new Bizfile system will be required to provide their endorsement before CSPs can perform filings on their behalf.
Q5: I have added a client on my list, and this is pending the client’s endorsement. Will I be able to file for this client in the interim?
A: No. Your client will have to endorse on the appointment of the CSP via new Bizfile first, before you can start to file on their behalf.
Q6: Will I be able to file on behalf of the client immediately after he has endorsed my filing access as his authorised CSP?
A: Yes, you can do so once the endorsement has been completed.
Q7: How much time is given for the CSP client to endorse the CSP appointment? Will ACRA be sending notification and reminder to the client to endorse the appointment?
A: Clients of CSPs will be given 30 days to endorse the appointment. The endorsement can be performed by any one of the authorised position holders of the client.
Q8: Who can endorse the CSP appointment? Must it be the director of the company, or any appointed position holder? Can the secretary endorse the CSP appointment?
A: Any one of the authorised position holders of the client (e.g. director or company secretary) can provide the endorsement using the client’s Corppass.
Q9: If the company has multiple directors, must all the directors endorse the appointment of the CSP in Bizfile before the CSP can start filing for the entity?
A: No. The endorsement may be performed by any one of the authorised position holders of the client and will be approved as long as one of the directors makes the endorsement.
Q10: My CSP firm has taken over clients from another CSP firm, do we still need the client to endorse our appointment?
A: Yes. All clients newly added to the CSP's client list will be required to submit their endorsement before the CSP can perform filing on their behalf.
Q11: If the CSP is filing transaction for ad hoc client, do we need the client's endorsement before we can file on their behalf? If the CSP is acting for shareholder, who can endorse the CSP appointment?
A: All clients newly added to the CSP's client list will be required to submit their endorsement before the CSP can perform filing on their behalf. Any one of the authorised position holders of the client (e.g. director or company secretary) can provide the endorsement using the client’s Corppass.
Q12: Currently, Registered Qualified Individuals (RQIs) appointed by the CSP can add new clients to the CSP. Does this mean with the new client endorsement requirement, the client added by the RQI will need to endorse the appointment as well?
A: Yes. All clients newly added to the CSP's client list will be required to submit their endorsement before the CSP can perform filing on their behalf.
Q13: Does the client need to endorse the CSP before the filing of every transaction?
A: No, the client only needs to endorse the CSP appointment, if the client is newly added to the CSP’s client list. After the CSP appointment has been endorsed, there is no need for the client to endorse the CSP for the filing of transactions.
Q14: How will the CSP client be notified to perform the endorsement of the CSP appointment?
A: A notification will be sent to the client’s Inbox in the new Bizfile portal that links them to the endorsement transaction page, where they can accept or reject the authorisation request.
Topic: Foreign Business Registration Number (FBRN)
Q1: Do I need to update the Foreign Business Registration Number (FBRN) or I can continue to use the UF number for the foreign business entity?
A: You are advised to update the UF number of the foreign business entity to the original Foreign Business Registration Number (FBRN) to ensure data integrity.
Q2: Do I need to update the FBRN for all my clients if this foreign business entity is a shareholder of multiple entities?
A: Yes, you will need to update the FBRN for all the client entities.
Topic: Inbox, Digital Correspondence and To-Do List
Q1: Will letters related to court continue to be sent in hard copy only? Will these letters be sent via email as well as to the ACRA Inbox?
A: Letters relating to court proceedings such as summons, and adjournment of court mentions will be in hard copy. Letters on offers of composition by ACRA in lieu of prosecution will be digital and will be sent to the Bizfile Inbox.
Q2: As a CSP, will I be able to access and view all the Inbox notifications and correspondences that ACRA send to the client/entity that I am authorised to file for?
A: As a CSP, you will be able to view the Inbox notifications and correspondences that ACRA send to your client where it is addressed to the entity. E.g.: Reminders for Annual Return filings or Striking off notices.
Q3: How do we know that digital letters or notices have been sent to our Inbox in Bizfile?
A: You will receive email alerts via the email addresses that you have provided to ACRA, informing you when new letters are sent.
Q4: Will position holders such as directors be informed that they have to log into ACRA to view correspondences or does the CSP have to inform the client?
A: Position holders such as directors will receive an email sent to the email address that they have provided to ACRA when the digital letters or notices are sent.
Q5: Will the CSP be able to view the full listing of pending tasks for all their clients?
A: CSP can only view the To-Do items and inbox messages that are directed to the entity. These include the reminder notices for annual filings, renewal notices for business registration, striking off notices, etc.
There will be specific to-do items and messages that can only be accessed by authorised position holders of the entity. These include endorsement notice for position holders, follow up actions such as clarifications by individual position holders, or warning letters addressed to specific individuals. These will not be available for CSPs who access to the client entity’s dashboard.
Topic: Display of NRIC in ACRA's record
Q1: Why is ACRA not masking my identification number, such as NRIC, in its records?
A: ACRA does not mask identification numbers (such as NRIC) in records because these numbers are unique identifiers issued to individuals for identification purposes. Full identification numbers facilitate accurate verification of individuals' identities, which is important for various business and regulatory processes. This practice allows for clear and unambiguous identification of individuals associated with businesses. By providing access to full identification numbers, ACRA helps to promote transparency in Singapore's business environment.
Topic: Payment
Q1: Why does ACRA remove the add to cart function for registry transactions?
A: The objective is to maintain data accuracy. In the current BizFile+ portal, there were issues where a “draft” transaction stored in the payment cart is eventually filed and overwrite an earlier filed transaction, resulting in data discrepancy issues.
Q2: With the removal of the add to cart function, how do we pay for the transaction? Does that mean we now have to make payment for every transaction before we can start a new one?
A: Yes, payment will be required for each individual transaction after submission.
Q3: Will all the records for the payment mode (credit card, PayPal, etc.) in current BizFile+ be migrated to the new system?
A: All records related to payment will be migrated to the new Bizfile.
Q4: If I am filing a change which exceeded 14 days, how do I make payment before completing the filing?
A: All filings must be completed before any payment method could be selected and payment to be made. The system will determine if any late lodgment penalty is to be levied for the transaction. Payment and any applicable penalty must be made immediately following the submission of the transaction in the new Bizfile portal.
Q5: What payment methods will be available for filing of transactions and purchase of business information products in the new Bizfile?
A: The new Bizfile will offer more payment options. In addition to credit and debit cards, you will be able to choose to use PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay for your transactions and iShop purchases. For renewal of sole proprietorship, partnership and limited partnership registrations, PayNow will also be available as a payment option. These new options aim to make payments more convenient for users.
Topic: Entity Search (ACRA Registered Entities)
Q1: Why isn’t the registered address of a ceased entity shown in Federated Search or the information products?
A: To protect data privacy, registered addresses for ceased entities will not be displayed. This is because some entities used residential addresses as their registered office address, and once an entity ceases operations, it can no longer update its information in the new Bizfile system.
Q2: Why do I see a message saying more than 250 matching results?
A: This likely occurs when you perform a partial name search. To narrow down your results:
- Type the first character in the search bar to see the dropdown filter options
- Use the pre-search filters (e.g., entity type and status)
Topic: Entity Search (Non-ACRA Registered Entities)
Q1: What are non-ACRA registered entities?A: These are entities registered by 16 other issuance agencies, such as:
- Societies (registered by Registry of Societies)
- Charities (registered by MCCY-Charity Unit)
You can search for these entities in Federated Search using the "Non-ACRA" or specific "Issuance Agency" filter. Note that these entities are not registered in the new Bizfile system.\
Q2: Which are the agencies issuing UEN?
A: The following agencies issue UENs for specific entity types:
The following agencies will issue UENs to the entity-types listed below. |
Issuance Agency | Entity-Type | Entity-Type Indicator (PQ) * |
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) | Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnerships Foreign Companies Public Accounting Firms | LP |
Enterprise Singapore (ESG) | Representative Offices of: | RF |
Islamic Religious Council of Singapore | Mosques | MQ |
Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) | News Bureaus | NB |
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth - Charities Unit | Charities and Institutions of a Public Character | CC |
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth - Registry of Co-operative Societies | Cooperative Societies | CS |
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth - Registry of Mutual Benefit Organisation | Mutual Benefit Organisations | MB |
Ministry of Defence (Mindef) | Foreign Military Units | FM |
Ministry of Education (MOE) | Government and Government-Aided Schools | GS |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) | High Commissions, Embassies | DP |
Ministry of Health (MOH) | Healthcare Institutions and Clinics | CM |
Ministry of Law (MLAW) | Foreign Law Practice Representative Offices | RP |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) | Trade Unions | TU |
Ministry of National Development (MND) | Town Councils | TC |
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | Financial Representative Offices | FB |
People's Association (PA) | PA Services | PA |
Registry of Societies (ROS) | Societies | SS |
Singapore Land Authority ( SLA) | Management Corporations | MC |
Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) | Government Agencies and bodies performing public duties | GA |
* The UEN format has an entity-type indicator(PQ) built into the identification number. For example, "LL" = "LimitedLiability Partnership".
Topic: Industry Search
Q1: What is the purpose of industry search?
A: Our new, free industry search:
- Helps create a trusted and vibrant business environment by revealing live entities in specific business activities
- Improves visibility for SMEs
- Replaces the paid "List of live entities by industries" product from BizFile+
Q2: What is the SSIC Category?
A: Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) is defined and updated every 5 years by the Department of Statistics (DOS). A SSIC category defines a group of specific business activities under a specific industry.
All ACRA-registered entities must classify their primary and secondary business activities using 5-digit SSIC codes.
Example:
A cafe's primary business activity might use SSIC code "56112" (Cafes), which falls under the category "Food and Beverage Service Activities" (SSIC code "56").
56 - FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE ACTIVITIES (SSIC Category)
561 - RESTAURANTS, CAFES, FOOD COURTS, FOOD KIOSKS AND BARS
5611 - Restaurants and Cafes
56111 -Restaurants
56112 – Cafes (Specific business activity)Topic: Reserved Name Search
Q1: How can I confirm that my desired entity name is available?A: To check the availability of your desired entity name, follow these steps:
- Perform an entity search
- Click the reserved name tab to conduct a reserved name search
- Verify that your desired entity name does not appear in either search result
By following this process, you can reduce the risk of your name application being rejected by the system or ACRA. This approach helps you identify potential conflicts with existing entities or reserved names before submitting your application, saving you time and effort in the registration process.
Q2: What are active reserved names?A: Active reserved names are those filed within the last 120 days of a name application. The search results do not include withdrawn or expired name applications.
Topic: Information Products
Q1: Why is the contact address empty in some ACRA information products?A: In certain ACRA information products, you may encounter the message "Address is not available for this individual". This occurs under two specific circumstances:
- The individual no longer holds any active positions in registered entities.
- The individual did not opt to provide an alternate address before the launch of the new Bizfile system.
A: The absence of an entity address in your purchased information product is due to our data privacy protection measures. We do not display registered addresses for entities that have ceased operations. This is in view that some entities may use residential addresses as their registered office address and ceased entities can no longer update their information in the new Bizfile system. Consequently, any address information we have may be outdated or inaccurate.
Topic: Product Download
Q1: Why do I need to register for Corppass to access my free information products?A: Ensure you have the appropriate Corppass credentials before attempting to login and access these free information products via My Entity > Free Product Download. This is to protect your entity's information from unauthorised access. Free information products are available only to following eligible users:
- Free Business Profile:
- Applicants for registration, incorporation, and annual filing
- Free Company Registers:
- Directors, Secretaries, CEOs, Members, Partners of Auditors.
- Free Certificate Confirming Registration by Transfer of Company:
- Applicants for Transfer of Registration
- Authorised company position holders
- Authorised corporate service providers
Non-CSP users and business owners without Corppass must login using Singpass before they click on the download link provided in the delivery email to download the free Business Profile for recent registration, incorporation or annual filing. We urge these users to apply for Corppass as soon as possible to access “My Entity” and the associated free product download page.
Q2: Can the product download link be extended beyond 30 days?
A: The download link is available for 30 days, which is an extension from the previous 7-day period. This approach helps protect your purchased information from unauthorised access, while providing ample time for you to access the product.
Q3: I am a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) who has lodged an incorporation. I am not able to download the free Business Profile from the Free Product Download page. What should I do?A: CSPs who have lodged incorporations on behalf of their clients are reminded to add their clients to their client list in Bizfile and obtain their clients’ endorsement. As clients have up to 30 days to complete their endorsement, please request your client to endorse it as soon as possible. You will be able to access the Free Product Download page after your appointment has been endorsed by your client.
Topic: Authentication
Q1: Can I authenticate PDF information product in new Bizfile for purchases made in BizFile+?
A: Yes, but document preview will not be available for purchases made in BizFile+. Document preview is a new feature for authenticating purchases made in the new Bizfile iShop.
Q2: What is the difference between trustBar products and non trustBar product?
A: trustBar products (launched March 2023):
- Business Profiles
- Business Certificates (Registration/Incorporation)
Provide two file formats: PDF (for viewing) and OA (for verification on the trustBar portal)
Non trustBar product:
- Other certificates such as Certificate of Good Standing,
- Corporate Compliance and Financial Profile
- People Profile
- Registers such as Register of Directors.
- Extracts
Such products come in PDF format only and they can be authenticated in the new Bizfile iShop.
FAQs on the BizFile+ System Migration
Q1: When will BizFile+ portal be down for system migration? Which are the transactions that are not available before the system migration?A: The BizFile+ portal will not be available from 8pm, 4 December 2024 (Wednesday) to 8am, 9 December 2024 (Monday). During this period, inclusive of the 7 to 8 December weekend, you will not be able to access our services or lodge any transactions.
Some eServices/transactions will not be available from 8pm on the following dates to 8am, Mon, 9 December 2024:
- Wed, 20 Nov 2024
- Wed, 27 Nov 2024
- Tue, 3 Dec 2024
The list of eServices/transactions that are not available can be viewed here.
Q2: What happens to the name application that is submitted before 4 December 2024?
A: If the name application is approved prior to system migration, the data will be ported over to the new Bizfile. However, if the name application is referred to a Referral Authority (RA) and the RA does not revert with an outcome by 4 December 2024, 8pm, the application will be rejected. The applicant will have to submit a fresh application in the new Bizfile. Please note that no refunds of fees for such transactions will be made.
Q3: If the Annual Return (AR) is due for filing during the BizFile+ system migration period, will there be any penalties if the company lodge the AR after 9 Dec 2024? Will the filing due date be automatically extended and for how long?
A: If the AR filing due date falls during the system migration period, between 4 to 9 December 2024, penalties will NOT be imposed if the AR is filed by 16 December 2024. Lodgers are strongly recommended to file before the system migration period if the deadline is within/during the system migration period.
Q4: I am required to do an endorsement for my client and the endorsement is due between 4 to 9 Dec 2024. However, I am not able to do it since there will be downtime. Will my transaction be rejected?
A: Lodgers with transactions that require endorsement should complete the endorsement before the system migration. Transactions not completed by 8pm, 4 December 2024 will require re-application on the new Bizfile portal on 9 December 2024. Please note that no refunds of fees for such transactions will be made.
Q5: If the documents for amalgamation is submitted before the BizFile+ system migration on 4 December 2024, can the date of amalgamation be reflected as XX January 2025?
A: The effective date of amalgamation can be indicated as XX January 2025 as long as the BizFile+ transaction “Registration of Amalgamation” is submitted before 4 December 2024 and the intended date of amalgamation is clearly indicated as XX January 2025 in the BizFile+ form.
Q6: I missed the deadline for filing. Will ACRA consider extending the deadline for the filings that are due between 4 and 9 December 2024?
A: The filing deadline will be extended to 16 December 2024. No late filing penalties will be imposed for filings with due dates that fall between 4 and 9 December 2024.
Q7: Why is there a need for system migration, and the need for the downtime to be so long?
A: The system migration is essential for launching the new Bizfile portal, which will offer improved features and user experience. The downtime is necessary to ensure accurate and complete data transfer as well as to conduct thorough integration testing with other external systems to deliver a reliable and efficient new Bizfile portal. We appreciate your patience during this period.
Q8: Why is ACRA not migrating the messages saved in the current Inbox in BizFile+ to the new Bizfile system?
A: The message format in BizFile+ is not compatible with the new Bizfile portal. Migrated messages might not work correctly with the new system’s features and interface. Please save any crucial information from your BizFile+ Inbox before the system migration, as these will not be available in the new Bizfile.
FAQs on the Revised Version of 'People Search' Function
For users who require assistance, please refer to an FAQ guide available here.
