Changing the registered office address of your company is a necessary process for businesses in Singapore when relocating or updating their contact details. The registered office address is the official address of your company as per the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and must be updated in the relevant records to comply with local regulations.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process on how to change your company’s registered office address in Singapore, with a specific focus on updating ACRA, your company secretary, and other relevant entities. It also outlines the necessary timelines for completing these updates.
Why Change Your Company’s Registered Office Address?
There are several reasons why a company might need to change its registered office address in Singapore:
- Relocation: If your business is moving to a new office or commercial property.
- Regulatory Compliance: If the company is required to change the registered address due to new legal, tax, or licensing requirements.
- Improved Image or Operations: A move to a more prestigious or accessible location to reflect business growth or enhance professional image.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Company’s Registered Office Address in Singapore
Step 1: Update Your Company Secretary Records
Before making any updates with ACRA, the first step is to inform your company secretary about the address change. The company secretary plays a crucial role in maintaining the company’s statutory records. They will update the company’s internal records, such as the register of directors, shareholders, and other key documents, to reflect the new registered office address.
This step ensures that all the company’s records remain compliant with Singapore’s corporate laws and accurately reflect the updated address.
Step 2: Update Your Registered Address with ACRA
Once your company secretary has been informed, the next step is to update your company’s registered office address with ACRA. ACRA oversees company registrations and ensures that the company’s official business profile remains up to date.
To make this change, a director or company secretary can submit the update via BizFile+, the online platform managed by ACRA. The new address must be a valid, physical location within Singapore, as P.O. Boxes or virtual addresses are not acceptable. After the update is submitted, ACRA will process it immediately. Furthermore, any updates made in the ACRA database will automatically reflect in the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) records on a weekly basis.
Timeline: ACRA requires that changes to the registered office address be filed within 14 days of the change. Ensure that the update is submitted within this timeframe to remain compliant with the Companies Act.
Step 3: Urgent Updates with IRAS
If you need to urgently update your address IRAS, for example, to ensure the prompt receipt of important tax correspondences or refunds, you can expedite the process.
To do this, send an email via myTax Mail on the IRAS portal with the following details:
- Tax reference number of the company
- Name of the company
- New address as updated with ACRA
No additional documents are required for this update, and IRAS will process the change quickly once the information is received.
Step 4: Inform Other Relevant Authorities and Partners
After updating ACRA and IRAS, you must inform any other relevant authorities or stakeholders of your company’s new registered address. This includes licensing authorities, suppliers, clients, banks, insurance providers, and any other parties that regularly correspond with your business.
This ensures that all communications and legal documents are sent to the correct address, preventing delays or disruptions.
Step 5: Update Marketing Materials and Official Documents
Once the registered office address has been officially updated, it’s essential to revise all your external communications, marketing materials, and official documents. Update your business cards, website, invoices, contracts, letterheads, and email signatures to reflect the new address.
Having consistent and accurate address information across all channels helps maintain a professional image and prevents confusion for clients, suppliers, and other business partners.
Conclusion
Changing your company’s registered office address in Singapore is a vital administrative task that involves updating records with ACRA, IRAS, and other authorities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your company’s compliance and maintain smooth operations. For urgent updates with IRAS, the process can be expedited through myTax Mail, ensuring that important tax communications are received without delay.