Every company incorporated in Singapore must designate a registered office address. This is not just a formal detail — it is the official address for statutory communications, notices, and where certain company registers and records are held. Understanding the rules and best practices around the registered address is crucial to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
What Is the Registered Office Address?
The registered office address is the address that is officially furnished to ACRA at the time of incorporation and maintained throughout the life of the company. It is the address where:
- All communications and legal notices may be addressed to the company.
- The company’s statutory registers, records, documents, and correspondence are kept.
- Public, regulators, and stakeholders may reach the company during office hours.
The registered address does not have to be the same place where the company actually conducts its business operations (e.g. production site, warehouse).
Key Legal Requirements for the Registered Office Address
Below is a summary of the statutory requirements a registered address in Singapore must fulfill:
- Location within Singapore
The address must be a physical location within Singapore. PO Box addresses or solely mailbox addresses are not allowed. - Accessibility to the Public
The office must be open and accessible to the public for at least 3 hours during ordinary business hours on each business day (i.e., excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). This ensures legal documents and notices can be delivered or served. Companies that fail to comply may incur fines (up to S$5,000). - Physical Address, Not PO Box
Because the address is used for service of documents and public communication, a PO Box or virtual mailbox without a physical premises is insufficient. - Timely Update of Changes
If the registered office address changes, the company must notify ACRA within 14 days of the change, via BizFile+ (using “Update Entity Information”). Failure to update may also incur penalties (up to S$5,000). - Home Address Under Home Office Scheme (Residential Premises Option)
A residential address may be used as a registered office under certain conditions, via the relevant “Home Office Scheme” managed by HDB (for HDB flats) or URA (for private residential properties). Approval must be obtained before incorporation.- However, not all types of business are permitted under the home office scheme — certain activities (manufacturing, heavy traffic business, etc.) may be disallowed.
- Even when permitted, using a residential address means your address becomes public in ACRA records. Many prefer a commercial or virtual office address for privacy and professional image.
Practical Considerations & Best Practices
- Many companies — especially foreign-owned ones — use virtual office or corporate service provider (CSP) addresses as their registered office. As long as the provider delivers a qualified physical address and adheres to the accessibility rules, this is acceptable.
- Choose a registered address in a reputable business district to enhance credibility with clients, partners, banks, and government agencies.
- Ensure that someone is responsible for managing mail, notices, and deliveries at the address daily—missing communications can lead to serious compliance consequences.
- Keep internal and statutory registers at the registered address (or at an alternate inspection address if permitted).
- Before change, plan the move so there is no lapse in address availability. Submit the change to ACRA promptly.