Skip to main content

KYB Documents Requirements for Singapore 🇸🇬

Tarun Mangukiya avatar
Written by Tarun Mangukiya
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Short answer

Below are the required documents for Singaporean businesses (KYB):

  • ACRA Business Profile (≤30 days old) – Official company registration details.

  • Certificate of Incorporation (COI) – Confirms legal registration.

  • Company Constitution (Articles of Association) – Governance and operational rules.

  • Corporate Structure – Shareholder Register / Shareholding Pattern with % holdings.

  • Director Structure – List of directors, roles, responsibilities.

  • Board Resolution – Confirms authority to act for the entity.

  • Proof of Address – ACRA-registered address; if operating elsewhere, utility bill / lease / bank statement (≤3 months).

  • Proof of Nature of Business – Invoice(s) or Service Agreement(s) confirming active operations.

  • Shareholder / UBO Information – Identity + Address proof for UBOs (≥25% ownership/control; ≥10% for high-risk; else senior managing official).

  • Representative Information (if applicable) – Identity + Address proof for authorized signatories + authority (Board Resolution/POA).

  • Additional Documents (Risk-based): Financial Statements, Source of Funds/Wealth, Sector Licenses, Import/Export Permits.


Long answer

Detailed list of documents required for Singapore KYB:

  1. ACRA Business Profile (≤30 days old)

    • What it is: Official record issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), showing registration details, activities, and registered address.

    • Where to obtain: Downloadable from ACRA BizFile+ portal.

    Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

    • What it is: State-issued document confirming the company is legally incorporated.

    • Where to obtain: ACRA BizFile+ portal.

    Company Constitution (Articles of Association)

    • What it is: Governing document outlining internal rules and shareholder rights.

    • Where to obtain: Filed with ACRA during incorporation, available via BizFile+.

    • Alternative: Certified copies may be obtained from the Company Secretary.

    Corporate Structure

    • What it is: Ownership structure with names of shareholders and % holdings.

    • Where to obtain: Shareholder Register (internal / Company Secretary records), BizFile+ filings.

    • Alternative: Shareholder Agreement confirming % holdings.

    Director Structure

    • What it is: List of directors, their roles, and responsibilities.

    • Where to obtain: Filed with ACRA, accessible via BizFile+.

    • Alternative: Board Resolution or Appointment Letters signed by Company Secretary.

    Board Resolution

    • What it is: Document authorizing persons to act on behalf of the company (e.g., opening account, transactions).

    • Where to obtain: Company Secretary / Board Records.

    Proof of Address (POA)

    • What it is: Confirms the company’s registered or operating address.

    • Accepted Documents:

      • ACRA-registered address (BizFile).

      • If operating address differs: Utility Bill, Bank Statement, or Lease Agreement (≤3 months).

    Proof of Nature of Business

    • What it is: Validates company’s actual business activity.

    • Accepted Documents: Invoice(s) issued by company to clients, Service Agreement(s) or Contract(s) with clients/vendors.

    Shareholder / UBO Information

    • What it is: Identity and address details of shareholders and UBOs.

    • Requirement: UBOs with ≥25% ownership/control (≥10% for high-risk). If no individual meets threshold, verify the senior managing official.

    • Required Documents: Identity (NRIC/Passport/FIN), Proof of Address (≤3 months).

    Representative Information (if applicable)

    • What it is: Details of authorized person acting for the entity.

    • Required Documents: Identity (NRIC/Passport), Proof of Address (≤3 months), Board Resolution / POA confirming authority.

    Additional Documents (Risk-based)

    • Examples:

      • Latest audited financial statements or management accounts.

      • Source of funds & wealth (bank statements, tax returns).

      • Sector-specific Licenses (e.g., MAS, healthcare).

      • Import/Export Permits for cross-border trade.

COMPANY ONBOARDING & KYB DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST

Document

Purpose

Where to Get It

Tick

Certificate of Incorporation (COI)

Confirms legal registration of the entity

ACRA BizFile+ portal

ACRA Business Profile (≤30 days old)

Verifies registration details, business activities, and registered address

ACRA BizFile+ portal

Company Constitution (Articles of Association)

Outlines governance and operational rules

ACRA BizFile+ portal / Company Secretary

Shareholder Register / Shareholding Pattern

Confirms ownership structure & % holdings

Company Secretary / Internal corporate records / ACRA filings

Board Resolution authorising account opening/transactions

Confirms authority to act on behalf of entity

Company Secretary / Board records

List of Directors with roles & responsibilities

Identifies controllers of the entity

ACRA BizFile+ portal / Company Secretary

Proof of Registered Address

Confirms registered office location

ACRA BizFile+ portal

Proof of Operating Address (if different)

Verifies actual place of operations

Utility bill / Bank statement / Lease agreement (≤3 months old)

Proof of Nature of Business

Confirms active operations and legitimacy of business

Invoices / Service Agreements / Contracts (company’s accounts team or clients)

Identity Proof of each Director, UBO (≥25%), and Authorised Signatory

Verifies identity of key individuals

NRIC (citizens/PRs), Passport (foreigners), FIN card (pass holders)

Address Proof of each Director, UBO, and Authorised Signatory

Confirms residential address

Utility bill / Bank statement / Tenancy agreement (≤3 months old)

Sector-specific licences (if applicable)

Confirms legal authority to operate in regulated sector

Relevant Singapore regulator (e.g., MAS, CEA)

Latest audited financial statements or management accounts (risk-based)

Demonstrates financial standing and ongoing operations

Company finance department / Auditor

Source of funds / Source of wealth declaration (risk-based)

Confirms legitimacy of funds

Provided by client / Company’s own declaration

Import/export permits (if applicable)

Required for cross-border trade activities

Singapore Customs

Did this answer your question?