Singapore phasing out use of Common Seal
Last updated on 27 June 2022
After setting up company in Singapore, there are many documents such as contracts, share certificates and deeds that need to be prepared. Traditionally, such documents need to be affixed with the company seal (also known as common seal) for them to be valid. However, since 31 March 2017, the need for a common seal in documents is no longer required.
According to section 41B of the Companies Act, a company may execute a deed (or similar documents) without a common seal if the signatures of officers of the company are affixed to the documents as follows:
- On behalf of the company by a director of the company and a company secretary;
- On behalf of the company by at least 2 directors of the company; or
- On behalf of the company by a director of the company in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.
Common seals should not be confused with rubber stamps, which are used by companies to endorse documents. Rubber stamps generally include the company’s name and its company registration number (UEN). However, if documents such as invoices, statements of accounts and business letters already include its UEN, there is no need to affix the rubber stamp on these documents.
If you need more help with endorsement of company documents or amending of your company’s constitution, you may engage a company providing corporate secretarial services.
