Tax identification number in Singapore: What is a TIN? (2026 guide)

Key takeaways:

• A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number a government assigns to identify individuals and businesses for tax purposes.

• In Singapore, citizens and permanent residents use their NRIC as their TIN, foreigners typically use their FIN, and businesses use their Unique Entity Number (UEN).

• Once you have your TIN, you can open an Airwallex Business Account to collect payments in 20+ currencies, send funds to 200+ countries, and manage your global financial operations from one platform.

If you're setting up or running a business in Singapore, you'll probably come across the term Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Put simply, a TIN is a unique number governments around the world use to identify taxpayers and track tax obligations. Think of it like a unique ID badge that links all your tax records back to you or your business.

Below, we'll walk through how a TIN works, whether your business needs one, and how to get and find yours.

What is a tax identification number (TIN)?

A Tax Identification Number is a unique identifier that governments assign to individuals and businesses for tax purposes.

Different countries use different versions. The US has Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN), Australia has Tax File Numbers (TFN), and Singapore uses a mix of NRIC, FIN, and UEN depending on who you are.

What's the practical benefit? When you file taxes, open accounts, or deal with government agencies, your TIN links everything back to you or your business. It helps the government track your tax-related activities and financial transactions, which keeps tax filing accurate and records properly maintained.

Types of tax identification numbers in Singapore

In Singapore, there are three main types of Tax Identification Numbers, and each one applies to a different group of people or entities:

National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)

The NRIC is assigned to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents at birth or when they're granted citizenship or permanent residency.

This nine-character number identifies you across government services and admin processes, and it also works as your Tax Identification Number, often called the Tax Reference Number (TRN) by IRAS.

You'll need your NRIC number for a wide range of activities, including:

• Registering for healthcare services

• Applying for insurance

• Checking into a hotel

• Subscribing to a phone line

• Filing your personal income taxes

• Opening bank accounts

• Applying for loans and credit cards

Foreign Identification Number (FIN)

The FIN is a unique nine-character number issued to foreigners who aren't Permanent Residents but do hold a valid employment pass, work permit, student's pass, or another type of long-term visit pass in Singapore.

It works much like the NRIC, so non-residents can meet their tax obligations while living in Singapore.

Singapore's foreign workforce numbered 1,525,500 in 2023¹, and the FIN is crucial for these expats and international students. It lets them open bank accounts, sign rental agreements, and take part in various legal and financial procedures during their stay.

Unique Entity Number (UEN)

The UEN is assigned to registered entities such as businesses, local companies, foreign businesses registered in Singapore, and other organisations. All registered businesses, including companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, are required to have a UEN.

This nine or 10-character number is your business's single ID across all government agencies. Businesses use their UEN when filing taxes, applying for licences, and reporting corporate changes.

The UEN system makes sure each entity's dealings with the government are streamlined and that records are uniformly maintained. Once it's issued, your UEN is permanent, so you won't ever need to renew it.

Does your business need a TIN in Singapore?

Yes. Every registered business in Singapore needs a UEN, which serves as its TIN. This applies to companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs, societies, and representative offices.

TIN for your business (UEN)

Your UEN is the single number you'll use to file taxes, apply for permits, and meet regulatory requirements. It's a standard identifier that makes your business's interactions with government agencies simpler across the board.

If you're only setting up a branch or division of an existing Singapore-registered business, you don't need to apply for a new UEN. You can use the UEN of your current business entity for all its branches or divisions within Singapore.

That said, some government agencies may choose to assign sub-entity codes to your UEN in their systems so they can identify and work with those branches and divisions. If you're running operations across multiple units, a solid entity management approach helps keep everything organised.

TIN for your employees (NRIC and FIN)

Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents use their NRIC number as their TIN. They're assigned it at birth or when they become a Permanent Resident.

For foreign employees, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) automatically issues a Foreign Identification Number (FIN) once their work visa is approved. This FIN serves as their TIN.

As an employer, you need to make sure each employee has a valid TIN before they start work. This Tax Reference Number (TRN) helps IRAS track and monitor the individual's personal income taxes. It also makes sure your employees are properly registered with IRAS and making accurate tax contributions.

If you don't collect employee TINs, IRAS may impose penalties and fines.

Why your business needs a TIN

Having a TIN is essential for businesses because it serves as a unique identifier and lets the government track and monitor their activities accurately. It also helps businesses meet tax obligations and makes dealings with government agencies and financial institutions easier.

Legal compliance

Having a UEN, which serves as your business's TIN, is required if you want to operate in Singapore. It makes sure businesses comply with statutory regulations set by government bodies, helping them avoid legal complications and sanctions.

Your UEN is also required for GST registration if your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million. If you operate without a valid UEN, you can be fined, and you may be prevented from carrying out legitimate business activities.

Tax reporting

The UEN is essential for all tax-related matters. It lets your business access tax filing services with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and acts as a unique identifier for your business.

To make filing easier, make sure you track your business expenses throughout the year and ensure your records are accurate. You'll use your UEN every time you file your corporate income tax return with IRAS.

Business transactions

A UEN is essential for a wide range of business transactions, including opening corporate bank accounts, engaging in invoices and contracts, and getting trade licences, such as applying for import and export permits.

It serves as a unique identifier, making sure your transactions are recorded and monitored properly and making verification processes simpler for the government.

Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions

The Central Provident Fund is a mandatory social security savings programme, supported by both employer and employee contributions.

To pay for their employees' CPF contributions, businesses need to give the CPF board their company's UEN and their employees' NRIC or FIN numbers. This ensures accurate record-keeping and lets the government monitor CPF payments and levy taxes accordingly.

International tax reporting (CRS)

Singapore takes part in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), an international framework where governments share tax information across borders to prevent tax evasion.

Financial institutions may ask for your TIN when you open accounts because they're required to report certain account information to IRAS, which then shares it with the relevant foreign tax authorities.

If your business has cross-border operations, you'll likely come across CRS requirements when working with international financial providers.

How to get a TIN in Singapore

All registered businesses in Singapore are automatically assigned a TIN once incorporation is successful. So when you're starting a business in Singapore, it's essential to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Registering your business with ACRA

Registering your company is a simple process that you can do online through ACRA's business registration portal. You'll need to provide key information like your company name, entity type, registered address, and details of directors and shareholders, and then make your payment to ACRA.

Once you submit it, ACRA will review your application and, if it's approved, issue your business certificate with your UEN. That UEN serves as the TIN for your business. You can also use a service provider to help with the ACRA registration process.

How much does it cost?

Getting a TIN in Singapore is relatively affordable. The UEN itself is free, and businesses are assigned one automatically when they register with ACRA.

To register a private limited company in Singapore, you'll need to pay a S$15 name reservation fee and S$300 company registration fee to ACRA³. If you're a foreigner looking to incorporate a company in Singapore, you'll need to use a qualified agent, which will add extra costs.

How to find your existing TIN

Already registered but can't find your TIN? Here's where to look:

• For individuals: Your TIN is your NRIC number, printed on your identity card, or FIN, printed on your work pass card.

• For businesses: Your TIN is your UEN, which you'll find on your ACRA Certificate of Incorporation or in any correspondence from IRAS.

• Online lookup: You can search for your business's UEN on ACRA's BizFile+ portal.

How Airwallex can help your business grow globally

Your business will need a TIN to open a business account and run its financial operations.

Before your business can use financial offerings from fintechs and banks, you'll need to provide a TIN as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. TINs help service providers verify your business's identity and prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and fraud.

Once you have your TIN, Airwallex can help your business operate globally with multi-currency accounts, international payments, and spend management tools. Open a Business Account online and you'll be able to:

• Collect funds from international customers with Global Accounts in 20+ currencies

• Send payments to 200+ countries at competitive FX rates that save you up to 80% on FX fees as compared to traditional banks

• Manage business spending with Corporate Cards and Expense Management

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are tax identification numbers required for businesses in Singapore?

Yes, every business registered in Singapore is automatically assigned a UEN, which serves as its TIN. All businesses get a UEN when they register their company with ACRA. Employers are also responsible for collecting their employees' NRIC or FIN, which serve as personal TINs, before they start employment.

Is the NRIC the same as a tax identification number?

Yes. For Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents, your NRIC number also works as your TIN, and it's also called your Tax Reference Number. For foreigners living in Singapore, the FIN serves the same purpose.

How do I find my TIN number in Singapore?

For individuals, your TIN is your NRIC or FIN number, printed on your identity card or work pass. For businesses, your TIN is your UEN. Check your ACRA Certificate of Incorporation or look it up on the BizFile+ portal.

Are tax identification numbers expensive to get?

No, the UEN itself is free. Businesses in Singapore get their UEN automatically once company incorporation with ACRA is successful. The related costs are for company registration: S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for registration. Individual TINs, NRIC and FIN, are also free to get.

What's the difference between a TIN and a UEN?

In Singapore, the UEN is the TIN for businesses. TIN is the general term used internationally to describe taxpayer identification numbers, while UEN (Unique Entity Number) is Singapore's specific version for registered entities like companies, partnerships, and organisations.

Sources:

1. https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/statistics-publications/foreign-workforce-numbers.xlsx

2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1297337/share-online-shoppers-abroad-local-websites-worldwide-country/

3. https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/registering-a-local-company

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