Singapore Bizfile / Business Profile Notarization and Apostille: Complete Guide
When a Singapore-registered company engages in overseas business, foreign partners, banks, and government authorities will often request a certified copy of the company's Business Profile to verify its registration status, shareholder structure, director information, and registered address. The Business Profile — commonly referred to as "Bizfile" — is an official company document issued by Singapore's Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) through the Bizfile platform, and is one of the most frequently requested Singapore company documents in international contexts. This guide explains how to get it notarized and apostilled.
1. What Is the Bizfile Business Profile?
Bizfile is the official business information platform operated by ACRA. Companies can download an official Business Profile from the platform, which is issued with a QR code for verification. The document contains the following key company information:
Bizfile vs Certificate of Incorporation (COI): The COI only confirms that the company was incorporated on a specific date — it contains no current company information. The Business Profile (Bizfile) contains the company's complete current details and is the primary document for proving the company's present status. Both are frequently required together to form a complete company document package.
2. Direct Apostille or Combined Notarization?
Bizfile Only — Direct Apostille
The Business Profile is an official government document issued by ACRA. Submitted on its own as a PDF, it can proceed directly to apostille without notarization. Suitable for situations where only the Business Profile itself needs to be certified.
Simplest processLower costCombined Notarization (as supporting document)
When the Business Profile needs to be certified together with other signed documents (such as a power of attorney or board resolution), notarization is required first, with all documents bound together in one notarization booklet and apostilled together.
With signed documentsAll-in-one3. Step-by-Step Process
Download Business Profile PDF from Bizfile
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Lervice reviews your documents
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Notarization by lawyer (if combined)
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Apostille
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Translation (if required)
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Collect or courier delivery
4. Documents Required
Case A: Bizfile only — Direct Apostille
- Business Profile PDF downloaded from the ACRA Bizfile website (with QR code)
- We recommend downloading a fresh copy just before submission to ensure the company information is current
Case B: Bizfile combined with other documents — Notarization and Apostille
- Business Profile PDF
- Other documents to be included in the package (e.g. power of attorney, COI, board resolution)
- For documents requiring signatures: signed originals can be submitted by courier — no in-person attendance required
About translation: If the receiving institution requires a translation, the standard approach is to translate the entire notarization booklet into the target language. For Chinese-English translation, Lervice provides a complete one-stop service. For other languages, we recommend taking the completed certified booklet to a qualified translation agency in the destination country.
Singapore Business Profile (Bizfile) after notarization and apostille — completed document package (example)
5. Timeline
Direct apostille
2
business days
Combined notarization + apostille
2–3
business days
With CN-EN translation
+3–5
additional business days
Lervice offers standardized, transparent pricing. Contact us directly for a quote.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I download the Business Profile from Bizfile?
Log in to the ACRA Bizfile website (www.bizfile.gov.sg) using Corppass or your personal Singpass, search for your company by name or UEN, and select the option to download the Business Profile. This generates the official PDF with QR code. If you need assistance, contact our team and we will guide you through the process.
2. How recently does the Business Profile need to have been downloaded?
Each time you download the Business Profile, it is dated that day and reflects the company's current registration information. We recommend downloading a fresh copy just before submitting for notarization to ensure the information is up to date. Many foreign institutions require the document to have been downloaded within a recent period — typically 3 to 6 months.
3. Does a director need to sign or appear in person?
No. The Business Profile is an official ACRA document — no signatures from anyone are required. Simply provide the PDF and we will handle the rest. If the notarization package also includes documents requiring signatures, signed originals can be submitted by courier.
4. Does the Bizfile certification need to be accompanied by the COI?
It depends on the receiving institution. Some require only the Business Profile; others require both the COI and Business Profile together. We recommend confirming the specific requirements with the receiving institution before proceeding. If both are needed, we can combine them in a single notarization booklet and process them together.
5. Can I get copies of the notarized document?
No. Singapore notarizations are issued as originals only — no certified copies are produced. If you need multiple sets, each must be ordered and paid for separately. We recommend confirming the number of sets needed before placing your order.
6. The document is for use in a country that has not joined the Hague Convention — is embassy legalization required?
Yes. If the document needs to be used in a country that is not a Hague Convention member, the apostille will not be recognized there and consular legalization at the relevant country's embassy will be required. Please contact us with the destination country and we will advise whether embassy legalization is needed and how to arrange it.
7. When Is Bizfile Certification Required?
Here are the most common situations that require a notarized and apostilled Singapore Business Profile:
Not sure which company documents you need certified, or processing multiple documents at once?
Contact our team, describe your business purpose and destination country, and we'll confirm the right approach for you.
