Step 1: Checking if you must register as a CSP
A corporate service provider (CSP) provides corporate services like company formation and ACRA filing services under the CSP Act 2024.
Last updated 29 January 2026
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What is a CSP
A CSP is a person or business that provides specific corporate services. These services are set out under the CSP Act.
CSPs can be:
Law firms
Accounting firms
Corporate secretarial firms
Tip: You can use Bizfile's entity search to check whether an entity is a CSP.
CSP services: Who must register
You must register as a CSP with ACRA if you provide any of these six services to others.
1. Business registration
Set up corporations or other legal entities for clients.
2. Address services
Provide address services for business entities, such as:
Registered office addresses, as required under the Companies Act 1967
Business address without a fixed physical space (for example, as a shared office provider)
Correspondence address where customers can be contacted, but are not physically present
Virtual office services
3. Role services
Acts as or arranges for others to act as:
Partners in partnerships
Similar roles in other legal entities
Examples:
You provide a customer with a shortlist of three proposed company directors and allow them to select one to act for their company
You act as an intermediary by introducing persons to act as directors to customers and bill those customers for this service
4. Nominee shareholder services
Act as or arrange for others to act as nominee shareholders.
Note: This service does not apply to listed companies on approved exchanges under the Securities and Futures Act 2001.
5. Designated accounting services
Carry out transactions for customers while providing accounting services for designated activities.
Accounting services include: Financial accounting, internal audit, management accounting, or taxation services.
Designated activities include:
Buying or selling real estate
Managing customer money, securities, or other assets
Managing bank, savings, or securities accounts
Organising contributions for creating, operating, or managing corporations
Creating, operating, or managing legal persons or legal arrangements
Buying and selling business entities
6. Filing services
File ACRA transactions on behalf of:
Others
Companies where you serve as company secretary
Examples:
Tip: Refer to the Guidelines for Registered CSPs for more details on CSP activities and requirements.
Who does not need to register
You do not need CSP registration if you are:
An existing Registered Filing Agent (RFA), as you will be treated as a registered CSP automatically. However, you will need to update ACRA on the types of corporate services you provide. Learn more about transitioning to the CSP Act.
A registered Public Accounting Entity (PAE), unless you need to file transactions on behalf of others. Learn more about CSP registration for Public Accounting Entities.
A landlord who leases a dedicated physical unit or space to a business that uses it as their registered office, business, or correspondence address (with a proper tenancy agreement).
An intermediary who only refers customers to registered CSPs
Filing for your:
Own entity as a director, secretary, partner, sole proprietor, or other authorised representative
Holding company or related corporations as a group secretary or their authorised employee
When you must register by
The CSP Act took effect on 9 June 2025. If you provide corporate services, you must register by 9 December 2025.
If you do not register
You cannot legally provide corporate services in Singapore or overseas.
You may face a fine of up to $50,000 if convicted.