CorpPass For Your Singapore Company - All You Need To Know
In the digital age, Singapore businesses need to interact online with various government agencies for tasks such as filing annual returns and taxes, applying for business licenses and work permits, or securing business grants. To streamline these processes, the Singapore government developed CorpPass, a centralized digital identity system for corporate entities. CorpPass acts as a gateway for businesses to securely access and conduct transactions via government portals.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about CorpPass, from who can use it to how to register, along with some troubleshooting tips for using CorpPass. Whether you're an existing local business, a foreign entity, or an entrepreneur looking to establish a presence in Singapore, understanding CorpPass is essential for efficient and secure online transactions with government bodies.
This article includes the following topics:
What Is CorpPass?
Singapore Corporate Access (CorpPass) is the official authorization system that allows Singapore businesses to manage digital transactions with Singapore government agencies securely and efficiently. Introduced by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), CorpPass is designed to provide businesses, non-profit organizations, and other entities with a corporate digital identity, enabling seamless interactions with government agencies.
CorpPass simplifies the process of managing access for employees and third parties, such as tax intermediaries, by allowing business owners to assign specific roles and permissions for different digital services. This ensures that the right people are able to carry out corporate transactions on behalf of the company, such as filing corporate taxes, applying for work permits, and managing payroll schemes, without the need for physical paperwork.
Since September 1, 2018, CorpPass has been the only accepted login method for all corporate transactions with Singapore’s government.
Government Agencies Accessible via CorpPass
Through CorpPass, businesses can interact with over 300 government agencies and online services in Singapore. This extensive network allows companies to handle a wide range of regulatory, financial, and administrative tasks seamlessly. Here are some of the most important agencies and services accessible via CorpPass:
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) – For filing corporate taxes and other tax-related matters.
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) – To manage business registration, compliance, and related services.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – For applying for work permits, managing employment passes, and handling labor-related issues.
- Building and Construction Authority (BCA) – To manage construction permits and related regulatory requirements.
- Enterprise Singapore – Provides support through grants and other incentives to help businesses grow.
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – For financial services regulation and compliance matters.
- State Courts – For managing legal matters and disputes.
- GeBIZ (Government Electronic Business) – Singapore’s e-procurement portal for government contracts.
- Singapore Customs – For customs declarations and trade-related activities.
You can find a complete list of agencies and services accessible through CorpPass on the official CorpPass website.
Who Can Use CorpPass?
CorpPass is essential for any entity that needs to transact digitally with Singapore's government agencies. It is designed for a wide range of organizations, including:
- Singapore-Registered Entities: Any business or organization that holds a Unique Entity Number (UEN) can use CorpPass. The UEN is a unique identification number assigned to registered entities such as private companies, non-profit organizations, associations, and other entities in Singapore.
- Foreign Entities: Businesses registered outside of Singapore but requiring access to government services for their operations in the country can also register for CorpPass. These entities can sign up using either a SingPass (Singapore's digital identity for residents) or foreign identification credentials.
Is CorpPass Mandatory for a Singapore Company?
We Have Helped Thousands Incorporate In Singapore
Who Can Use CorpPass on Behalf of a Company?
When using CorpPass, there are several roles that can be assigned to manage and carry out digital transactions on behalf of a company. Each role comes with specific responsibilities and permissions, ensuring the organization has control over who accesses government services. The main CorpPass roles are:
- Registered Officer (RO): This is the individual officially registered to the entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority or a relevant UEN-issuance agency. Typically, this includes owners, partners, or directors of the company. The Registered Officer can nominate CorpPass Administrators and approve their registration requests. While the RO can choose to become a CorpPass Administrator to handle transactions directly, they are not required to do so unless they wish to take on this responsibility.
- CorpPass Administrator (Admin): Appointed by the Registered Officer, the CorpPass Admin is responsible for managing the company’s CorpPass account. Each entity can appoint up to two CorpPass Admins. Admins are tasked with registering other CorpPass users, assigning roles, and overseeing access to government services. This role is typically filled by senior management or administrative professionals, such as a Director of Corporate Services or someone in HR or finance.
- CorpPass Sub-Administrator (Sub-Admin): The Sub-Admin assists the CorpPass Admin in managing the organization’s CorpPass account. They are authorized by the Admin to create and manage user accounts. Unlike the Admin role, Sub-Admins do not require approval from the Registered Officer. The Sub-Admin’s main function is to help streamline account management, particularly in larger organizations.
- CorpPass Enquiry User: Created by either the Admin or Sub-Admin, an Enquiry User can view the details of the company’s CorpPass setup and perform transactions with government services. This role is often assigned to employees who need to monitor certain activities but do not require full administrative access.
- CorpPass User: A CorpPass User is any individual authorized to conduct digital transactions on behalf of the company, such as handling payroll, tax filing, or applying for permits. Each CorpPass User account is created by the Admin, and the entity can have an unlimited number of users. In smaller organizations, the CorpPass Admin may also act as a CorpPass User.
How to Register for CorpPass
Registering for CorpPass involves providing essential information about your entity and setting up accounts for individuals who will manage or use the system. Below are the steps and requirements for both local and foreign entities.
What Is Needed for Registration?
For Singapore-Registered Entities:
- Unique Entity Number (UEN): This is the unique identification number assigned to your business or entity when it registers with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority or other UEN-issuance agencies.
- Admin’s Personal Information: The appointed CorpPass Admin will need to provide their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) details, full name, email address, and SingPass login information.
- Registered Officer (RO)’s Information (if a person other than the RO is registering): If the RO is not registering as the CorpPass Admin, the Admin will need the RO’s NRIC, full name, and email address to complete the registration.
For Foreign-Registered Entities:
- Business Registration Documents: You will need to submit official documents proving your business’s registration in your home country.
- CorpPass Admin Identification: The appointed CorpPass Admin must provide identification details, which may vary depending on the country of origin.
- SingPass or Foreign ID: Foreigners who have a SingPass can proceed with the registration as normal. If they do not have SingPass, they can use the CorpPass 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) mobile app for additional security during the registration process.
Setting Up a CorpPass Account
The process of registering for CorpPass varies, depending on the size and structure of your entity. Below are the steps for both a simple setup (one-person operation) and a more complex entity with multiple users accessing different digital services.
For One-Person Operations:
If you are the sole person in your entity handling transactions with government agencies, the process is straightforward. As both the CorpPass Admin and Registered Officer, you only need to complete the registration on the CorpPass website. Be sure to select the option to access all available digital services through CorpPass to streamline future transactions.
For Complex Entities with Multiple Users:
If your entity has several employees who need access to different digital services, the registration process will be slightly more detailed:
- Admin Registers: The appointed CorpPass Admin must first sign up for a CorpPass account through the official website.
- RO Approval: The Registered Officer, who is the official representative of the entity, must approve the Admin’s registration request. This can be done via SingPass or a Letter of Authorisation.
- Admin Creates Users: Once approved, the Admin can create CorpPass accounts for other users within the organization.
- Select Digital Services: The Admin then selects the specific government digital services relevant to the business’s needs.
- Assign Services to Users: Finally, the Admin assigns the chosen digital services to the appropriate users within the entity, ensuring they have access to the necessary government portals.
Admins are responsible for maintaining and managing the CorpPass accounts, ensuring that only authorized individuals can perform digital transactions on behalf of the entity.
For a step-by-step guide on activating your account, you can refer to this video tutorial.
Applying for CorpPass via the CSP Platform
CorpPass Security
Security is crucial when handling digital transactions and sensitive corporate data through CorpPass. To safeguard your CorpPass account and prevent unauthorized access, it’s important to follow best practices. Implementing these measures can help protect your business from potential security breaches.
Here are some key security recommendations for using CorpPass:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two forms of identification before accessing the account.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Ensure that you use complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly update your passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts to minimize the risk of exposure.
- Limit the Number of Administrators: Having fewer admins lowers the risk of unauthorized access and makes it easier to manage accounts securely.
- Monitor Transaction History and Logs: Regularly check the transaction history and activity logs within your CorpPass account to identify any unusual or unauthorized activity. Promptly addressing suspicious activity can prevent potential security threats.
Common Issues with CorpPass and Troubleshooting
Like any online system, CorpPass can encounter certain issues. Here are the most common ones:
- Linking CorpPass to SingPass: Some users struggle to link their CorpPass accounts to the SingPass app. This requires verifying identity through fingerprint, facial recognition, or a 6-digit passcode.
- Switching Between CorpPass Accounts: Users may experience difficulties switching between CorpPass accounts. The "Switch Account" feature on the SingPass app can resolve this after proper authentication.
- Access to Digital Services: If you're unable to access specific digital services, it may not be a CorpPass issue. Reach out to your CorpPass Administrator or Sub-Administrator to request access.
Protect Your Income From Excessive Taxation
How We Can Help
Related Articles
Is Singapore the Right Place to Incorporate?
How to Register a New Company in Singapore
Singapore's Tax System and Types of Taxes