When foreigners plan to incorporate a company in Singapore, one name appears repeatedly during the process: BizFile. Whether you are setting up a new business, appointing directors, filing annual returns, or updating company details, BizFile is the official digital platform that makes these actions possible.
Understanding what ACRA BizFile is and how it works is essential for any foreign entrepreneur looking to establish and maintain a compliant Singapore company. This article explains what BizFile is, how it is used, who needs it, and why it plays such a central role in Singapore’s business environment.
What Is ACRA BizFile?
BizFile is the official online filing and information portal managed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). It is the primary system through which businesses in Singapore register, update, and maintain their corporate records.
In simple terms, BizFile is the gateway between your company and Singapore’s corporate regulator. Almost all statutory filings and business transactions with ACRA are carried out through this platform.
It is important to note that BizFile+ was the name of ACRA’s previous platform. ACRA has since streamlined and rebranded the system, and the current platform is officially known as BizFile. While some older articles and guides still reference BizFile+, all current filings and processes are conducted through BizFile.
Why BizFile Is Important for Foreign Entrepreneurs
For foreign founders, BizFile is the backbone of company incorporation and ongoing compliance in Singapore. Without BizFile, it would not be possible to legally register or manage a Singapore company.
BizFile allows foreign entrepreneurs to:
- Incorporate a company remotely
- Access official company records
- File statutory updates and annual returns
- Maintain compliance with Singapore regulations
Because Singapore places strong emphasis on transparency and governance, BizFile ensures that company information is accurate, traceable, and accessible to regulators and stakeholders.
What Can You Do on BizFile?
BizFile supports a wide range of corporate actions throughout the lifecycle of a Singapore company. Some of the most common uses include:
Company Incorporation
Foreigners incorporating a Singapore company must submit their application through BizFile. This includes:
- Reserving and approving a company name
- Registering directors, shareholders, and company officers
- Issuing the company’s registration details and Unique Entity Number (UEN)
Once the application is approved, the company is officially registered and recognised under Singapore law.
Filing Changes to Company Information
After incorporation, companies are required to keep their records up to date. BizFile is used to notify ACRA of changes such as:
- Appointment or resignation of directors
- Changes in shareholding structure
- Updates to the registered office address
- Amendments to the company’s constitution
These updates must usually be filed within prescribed timelines to avoid penalties.
Annual Returns and Financial Filings
Singapore companies must file annual returns with ACRA. BizFile is the platform where:
- Annual returns are submitted
- Financial statements are uploaded
Timely filing through BizFile is critical to maintaining a company’s good standing.
Accessing Business Information
BizFile also functions as a business information portal. Users can:
- Purchase business profiles of companies
- Verify company registration details
- Conduct basic due diligence on potential partners or vendors
This transparency helps build trust within Singapore’s business ecosystem.
Who Can Access BizFile?
BizFile is accessible to individuals and entities authorised to act on behalf of a company. This typically includes:
- Directors
- Company secretaries
- Professional service providers authorised by the company
Foreign entrepreneurs usually engage a registered filing agent or corporate service provider to handle BizFile submissions, especially if they do not hold a Singapore-issued digital identity.
BizFile and Compliance for Foreign-Owned Companies
For foreign-owned companies, BizFile plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with Singapore regulations. Through BizFile, companies demonstrate that they:
- Maintain accurate corporate records
- Meet statutory deadlines
- Comply with the Companies Act and ACRA requirements
Failure to file required information through BizFile can result in late filing penalties, enforcement actions, or complications with banking and licensing.
Common Misunderstandings About BizFile
efers to the system simply as BizFile. Any current company registration or filing is done through BizFile, not BizFile+.
BizFile Is Not Optional
Some foreign entrepreneurs mistakenly assume that BizFile is only relevant during incorporation. In reality, BizFile is used throughout the company’s entire lifecycle, from registration to eventual cessation.
Every statutory update and annual filing is linked to BizFile, making it a permanent part of operating a Singapore company.
BizFile vs Business Profile
Another common misunderstanding arises from the term “BizFile” being used to refer to a company’s business profile. While the business profile is commonly referred to as “BizFile” in casual conversations, this term can sometimes create confusion, especially for foreign entrepreneurs who might be unfamiliar with local terminology. It is important to distinguish between:
- BizFile (the online filing platform for statutory company submissions)
- Business Profile (the official company information report issued by ACRA)
When someone asks for a BizFile, they are typically referring to the business profile of the company, but for official filings and documentation, BizFile should be understood as the platform used for all regulatory submissions.
How BizFile Supports Singapore’s Business-Friendly Environment
BizFile reflects Singapore’s broader approach to business regulation: efficient, digital-first, and transparent. The platform allows most filings to be completed online, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
For foreign entrepreneurs, this means:
- Faster company setup
- Clear regulatory processes
- Predictable compliance requirements
This digital infrastructure is one of the reasons Singapore consistently ranks highly as a place to do business.
Practical Considerations for Foreign Entrepreneurs
While BizFile is user-friendly, foreign founders should be aware of a few practical points:
- Certain filings must be submitted by authorised persons
- Supporting documents must meet ACRA’s formatting and content requirements
- Late or incorrect filings can still attract penalties, even if unintentional
As a result, many foreign entrepreneurs choose to work with experienced corporate service providers to manage BizFile filings accurately and efficiently.
How Premia TNC Can Help
For foreign entrepreneurs, navigating BizFile can feel complex, especially when combined with Singapore’s compliance requirements. Premia TNC supports international clients by handling BizFile-related matters as part of its corporate services.
This includes company incorporation, ongoing statutory filings, changes to company records, and annual compliance submissions. By managing BizFile interactions on your behalf, Premia TNC helps ensure your Singapore company remains compliant while you focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Selling globally from Singapore is not just about location, but about credibility, connectivity, and long-term scalability. By incorporating a company in Singapore, foreign e-commerce founders gain access to ASEAN markets, global payment infrastructure, and a trusted business environment that supports international growth.
For entrepreneurs serious about building a sustainable and globally competitive e-commerce business, Singapore remains one of the most compelling choices in the world.