for Company Incorporation, Annual Filing & Director/Shareholder Changes in Singapore
Effective from 9 June 2025, Singapore has officially implemented a new compliance requirement:
For company incorporation, annual returns, and changes to directors or shareholders,
if the relevant individuals are unable to be physically present (e.g. overseas directors or shareholders), identity verification must be conducted via a live video call.
In simple terms:
The era of purely electronic submissions and proxy signings is over.
The key objective of this regulation is to:
Enhance due diligence, prevent shell companies, and mitigate money laundering and identity fraud risks.
What does the new rule require?
When a client cannot attend in person,
a licensed / registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP) must carry out enhanced customer due diligence (CDD).
These measures must:
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Be at least as robust as face-to-face verification
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Include obtaining additional documents, data or information
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Ensure the authenticity of the client’s identity and authority
Affected corporate services
The requirement applies to services such as:
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Company incorporation
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Director or shareholder changes
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Management or shareholding transfers
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Purchase or sale of shelf companies
For these transactions, CSPs are required to conduct real-time video identity verification (Live Video Call).
Who must be verified (minimum one person)?
At least one of the following individuals must undergo video verification:
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At least one proposed director
(Nominee directors are not acceptable) -
✔️ At least one proposed shareholder holding ≥50% voting power
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✔️ If the ≥50% shareholder is a corporate entity,
its authorised representative must be verified (must be a natural person)
Key requirements during video verification
During the live video call, CSPs will confirm that:
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The individual is a real person interacting live (no pre-recorded videos)
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Identity documents (passport/ID) match the individual
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The individual has legal authority to represent or accept services for the company
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The individual prepares in advance:
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Original passport
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Blank paper and pen (for live instructions)
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CSPs will:
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Record the entire video session
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Retain screenshots for compliance records
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Additional verification may be required for complex ownership structures
Ultimate objective:
To prevent identity misuse, document falsification, and ensure transparency in corporate decision-making.
Are there any exemptions?
✅ Yes.
Video verification is not required if your incorporation or corporate changes are:
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Handled and represented by a qualified lawyer, or
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A public accountant
acting professionally on your behalf.
Reference
For full details, please refer to Page 45 of the official ACRA guidelines:
ACRA – Guidelines for Registered Corporate Service Providers
https://www.acra.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/corporate-service-providers/guidelines-for-registered-csps-%2808-july-2025%29.pdf?sfvrsn=e28fbfd2_1&utm
