When you register a company in Singapore, one of the first things you’ll need is a registered office address. Can you use your home? Do you need to rent an office, or will a virtual office do? And how do you make sure your choice meets ACRA’s requirements?
This guide will explain:
- What a registered office address means under the ACRA rules
- What can be considered a registered office address
- How to update your address in BizFile when things change
Let’s get started.
What Is a Registered Address in Singapore?
A registered address in Singapore is the official business address that every company must provide to ACRA.
It matters for your company because it is the location where government agencies such as ACRA and IRAS send official correspondence. It is also where your company’s statutory records are kept. These include documents like registers of directors, shareholders, and meeting minutes.
The address must be a physical location in Singapore, and P.O. Boxes are not accepted.
Helpful: Your registered address is just one of several requirements to incorporate a company. See our full guide on incorporation requirements for more details.
ACRA Requirements for a Registered Address
Every company in Singapore must maintain a registered office address that meets ACRA’s rules. These requirements ensure your business stays contactable by government agencies and the public.
Here are the 3 key conditions your address must meet:
- Must be a physical address in Singapore
The registered address must be a physical location within Singapore. P.O. Boxes are not accepted because government agencies and other parties need to deliver documents to a proper address. - Must be open and accessible during business hours
Your registered address must be open and accessible for at least three hours on business days. This allows official notices, legal documents, or other correspondence to be delivered reliably. - All company records must be kept at the registered address
Key company documents, such as registers of members and directors, statutory records, and meeting minutes, must be kept at the registered address.
It’s worth noting that your registered address does not have to be the same as your business address. The registered address is for compliance and correspondence, while your business address is where you actually run operations such as an office, shop, or studio.
Important: Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties of up to SGD 5,000, so it is not something to overlook.
🔒 Want to keep your home address private?
5 Registered Address Options in Singapore
Choosing your registered address is not only about meeting ACRA’s requirements. It also affects how your business is perceived, how much you spend, and how flexible your setup can be. The right choice depends on factors like privacy, cost, and the type of business you run.
Here are the five main options available in Singapore, with their pros, cons, and key considerations:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Office (Private office space leased by the company) |
• Full control over the workspace • Projects a strong, professional corporate image • Practical for client meetings and larger teams |
• Highest cost option (rent, utilities, maintenance) • Typically requires long-term lease commitments |
Best for established companies that need a permanent presence. Must update ACRA if your tenancy changes. |
| Co-Working Space (Shared office with flexible rental packages) |
• More affordable than leasing a private office • Flexible rental terms (daily, monthly, yearly) • Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs |
• Less privacy • Shared facilities may not suit all industries |
Check if the provider offers registered address services with mail handling. A good fit for start-ups and SMEs wanting a professional image without high overheads. |
| Virtual Office (Registered address + mail forwarding, no desk) |
• Lowest-cost way to meet the registered address requirement • Common choice for foreign entrepreneurs who do not reside in Singapore • Some providers also offer secretarial or call-forwarding services |
• No physical space for staff or meetings • Ongoing subscription fees |
Choose a reputable provider (ideally an ACRA-registered filing agent). Suitable for businesses that operate remotely or internationally but need a local presence. |
| Home Office Scheme (HOS) (Register an HDB/URA residence with approval) |
• Cost-effective option • Allows you to work from home legally • Convenient for small-scale operations |
• Restrictions on signage, hiring staff, and client visits • Approval can be revoked if guidelines are breached |
Requires approval from HDB (public housing) or URA (private residences). Works well for low-impact businesses such as consultants or online service providers. |
| Home-Based Business Scheme (HBBS) (Micro business from home, no approval needed) |
• Very simple to start • No upfront approval process • Ideal for testing business ideas on a small scale |
• Strictly limited to micro-business activities • Cannot hire staff, display signage, or store goods • Risk of enforcement if expanded beyond limits |
Allowed for small-scale activities such as home baking, private tutoring (≤3 students), sewing, or certain beauty services. Conditions are set by HDB/URA, and exceeding them may lead to enforcement. |
Tip: Want to skip the hassle? A company registration service provider like Statrys can provide a registered address as part of the incorporation package, so you stay compliant from day one.
How to Update Your Registered Address
Sometimes your business moves. You might shift into a bigger office, switch to a co-working space, or decide to work from home. When this happens, you need to update ACRA with your new registered address. The process is straightforward once you know what to do.
Key Rules for Updating Your Address
Before filing, here are the rules you must follow:
- Timeline: Update ACRA within 14 days if you are a local company, or 30 days if you are a foreign company.
- Fee: Filing is free, but there is no government charge.
- Approval: The update is processed immediately once submitted online.
- Penalty: Missing the deadline may result in fines of up to SGD 5,000.
If you stay within the timeline, the process is quick and low risk.
Steps to Update Your Address in BizFile
Follow these steps to update your company’s registered address through BizFile:
Step 1: Log in
Access BizFile using CorpPass (if eligible), or have your Corporate Service Provider (CSP) file on your behalf.
Step 2: Go to your Entity Dashboard
Select “View entity details” to see your company profile.
Step 3: Edit Office Address
On the left menu, choose “Office Address” and click “Edit.”
Step 4: Enter the new address
Key in the postal code, click “Retrieve address” (the system fills in details from SingPost), and specify the effective date.
Note: The address must match official property records. No supporting documents are required for a change.
Step 5: Confirm and submit
Review your changes, tick the declaration box, and submit.
Good to know: If your statutory registers are kept somewhere other than your registered office, you’ll also need to update the Registers Address in BizFile.
Step 6: Check confirmation message
You’ll see an on-screen confirmation, and a notification will appear in your BizFile Inbox.
For more details, you can refer to ACRA’s official guide here.
What Happens If You Miss the 14-Day Rule
How Outdated Records Can Hurt Your Business
Final note
To wrap up, here’s what’s covered when it comes to a registered office address in Singapore:
- Every company must have a registered office address on file with ACRA.
- The address must be a physical location in Singapore and open at least 3 hours on business days.
- It appears on your company’s Business Profile, but directors can use an alternate address for privacy.
- You can choose from several options, such as a dedicated office, co-working space, virtual office, or approved home office scheme.
- Any change of address must be updated in BizFile within 14 days (30 days for foreign companies).
Keeping these elements in place ensures your company remains compliant, credible, and easy to manage.
FAQs
How do I check my registered address in Singapore?
You can check your company’s registered address through ACRA’s BizFile portal by viewing your company profile.
