So you have started your own company in Singapore. You are ready to draft invoices, send official letters, and sign contracts. But did you know that there are actual legal requirements for what goes on that piece of paper (or digital document)?
It’s very simple to get it right. Let’s break it down.
1. What The Law Requires On Your Company Letterhead
The Singapore Companies Act (Cap. 50) is pretty clear on this. Whenever your company issues or signs a business letter, statement of account, invoice, official notice, or publication, it must include two key pieces of information:
- Full Registered Company Name: This means the exact name as registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). No abbreviations, no shortened versions, and no using just your trading name or brand name.
If your company is “Awesome Desserts Pte. Ltd.”, then that’s what needs to be on the document. “Awesome Desserts” alone won’t cut it for legal purposes.
- Unique Entity Number (UEN): This is the single most important identifier for your business in Singapore. Think of it as your company’s NRIC or Social Security Number. It’s a unique code issued by the Singapore government to every registered entity.
2. What Is A UEN And Why Is It So Important?
The Unique Entity Number (UEN) is your company’s official registration number. It’s used in all interactions with government agencies, from filing taxes with IRAS to contributing to your employees’ CPF.
Including your UEN on all official documents allows anyone including clients, suppliers, or government bodies, to instantly and accurately identify your business.
It shows transparency and confirms that you are a legitimate, registered entity in Singapore.
3. What Other Company Details Should Be Included In The Company Letterhead
You’ve probably seen letterheads with a lot more than just a name and UEN. While not legally required, these details are essential for good business practice.
Here’s a list of what you should also include:
- Company Logo. Great for branding and making your documents instantly recognizable.
- Registered Office Address. Official point of contact for legal notices, government correspondence and clients.
- Contact Information. Your phone number, email address, and company website are crucial for communication.
- GST Registration Number. If your company is GST-registered, you must show this on all your tax invoices.
4. A Quick Checklist For Your Singapore Company Letterhead
Let’s put it all together. Grab your current letterhead and check if you have these items:
Legally Required (The Must-Haves):
- Full Registered Company Name (as per ACRA)
- Unique Entity Number (UEN)
Highly Recommended (The Good-to-Haves):
- Company Logo
- Registered Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Website URL
- GST Registration Number (if applicable)
