Filing Agent

A filing agent is a person or entity who, in the course of their business, carries out transactions with the Registrar on behalf of another person (such as a customer). These transactions are typically conducted using the electronic transaction system or, when this system is unavailable, via any other means permitted by the Registrar.

General requirements for being a registered filing agent

The person must:
  • Be a business entity registered with ACRA (i.e., an incorporated company, registered business, registered limited liability partnership, or registered limited partnership);
  • Act by or through at least one registered qualified individual. For example, the person may:
    • Be a registered qualified individual themselves,
    • Have at least one partner who is a registered qualified individual, or
    • Employ or engage at least one registered qualified individual;
  • Be a fit and proper person, or show that their directors, partners, or persons directly or indirectly involved in the management are fit and proper;
  • Have attended the mandatory AML/CFT course and passed the proficiency test at least once every two years; and
  • If applicable, ensure that not less than two years have elapsed since the cancellation of their previous registration as a filing agent due to a sanction by ACRA. 

Qualified Individual

A qualified individual is an individual who satisfies such criteria as may be prescribed.

General requirements for being a registered qualified individual

The person must:

  • Meet the criteria of a "qualified individual" as defined in the ACRA (Filing Agents and Qualified Individuals) Regulations and submit the necessary supporting documents. Please refer to the table below for further details;          
  • Be a fit and proper person; and
  • If applicable, ensure that not less than two years have elapsed since the cancellation of their previous registration as a qualified individual due to a sanction by ACRA.  
Qualified Individuals  Examples of supporting documents to be provided during the application process
An advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore A Practising Certificate issued by the Supreme Court of Singapore, or documentation confirming admission as an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore.
A public accountant registered under the Accountants Act 2004 Not required, as ACRA will verify the applicant's registration as a public accountant.
A member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Certificate of membership with proof of latest membership (e.g., invoice and receipt).
A member of the Association of International Accountants (Singapore Branch) Certificate of membership with proof of latest membership (e.g., invoice and receipt).
A member of the Institute of Company Accountants, Singapore (ICAS) Certificate of membership with proof of latest membership (e.g., invoice and receipt).
A member of the Chartered Secretaries Institute of Singapore (CSIS) Certificate of membership with proof of latest membership (e.g., invoice and receipt).
 A corporate secretarial agent (i.e. a person who is carrying on the business of providing corporate secretarial services for one or more companies and has been doing so for at least 3 years in the preceding 5 years; and has been a secretary of a company for at least 3 years in the preceding 5 years)

(a) If you are the owner, partner, or director of the business providing corporate secretarial services, please provide:

(i) The UEN of the business if it is an existing Registered Filing Agent (RFA); or

(ii) Evidence of the corporate secretarial services provided, with the scope of service clearly stated, for the relevant period (i.e., 3 years out of the preceding 5 years). Examples of acceptable documentation include letters of engagement or invoices.

(b) If you are not the owner, partner, or director of the business providing corporate secretarial services, please provide:

(i) One of the following:

  • The UEN of the RFA you are currently employed by; or
  • The UEN of the RFA you intend to join; or
  • Evidence of the corporate secretarial services provided, with the scope of service clearly stated, for the relevant period (i.e., 3 years out of the preceding 5 years). Examples of acceptable documentation include letters of engagement or invoices; and

(ii) A letter from the owner, partner, or director of the business:

  • Detailing your role in the business;
  • Confirming that you have carried out the business of providing corporate secretarial services for the relevant period (i.e., 3 years out of the preceding 5 years); or
  • Confirming that you were an associated employee of the RFA for the relevant period; and
(iii) Your CPF payment records for the relevant period (i.e., 3 years out of the preceding 5 years) pertaining to the business.
 
To check the registration status of Filing Agents and Qualified Individuals, please use the FA/QI Enquiry Function in BizFile+.
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