The Companies Registry undertakes to implement Unique Business Identifier (“UBI”) by two phases for entities under the administration of the Registrar of Companies. Business Registration Number (“BRN”) (i.e. the first eight digits of the Business Registration Certificate number) assigned by the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department is adopted as the UBI of companies and entities. Phase 1 was implemented for Limited Partnership Funds with effect from 1 November 2021. Phase 2 will be implemented on 27 December 2023 to cover limited companies and various other entities.
Key features of Phase 2 of UBI on relevant companies and entities with effect from 27 December 2023 include:-
- BRN will be adopted as the “No.” on the “Certificate of Incorporation”, “Certificate of Registration”, or “Certificate of Change of Name” issued by the Registry;
- BRN, instead of the existing company registration number, will have to be quoted on specified forms and documents delivered to the Registry; and
- BRN will be the key number for searching and identifying a company or entity under different services of the Registry.