Using Bizfile to register as a public accountant (PA)

Learn how to register as a public accountant in Singapore through ACRA Bizfile. Includes requirements, fees, required documents, and what to expect.

Last updated 25 March 2026

Before you register

This guide explains how to register as a PA using Bizfile. You need to register as a PA to act as an auditor of financial statements in Singapore. It is an offence to practise without registration.

You must meet all of the PA registration requirements before you register.

Who may register

As an individual, you can file directly.

You may also engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to file on your behalf.

What you need to prepare

Required documents and information

To show	You must prepare
Professional examinations	Certificate of passing final examination (if the examination passed is not listed in the legislation)
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)	CPE log book to record all CPE hours from the 12 months before you apply. Evidence of participation: Certified true copies for all structured courses which can be in the form of: Certificates Attendance lists Lecturers' letters of certification
Practical experience	Declaration Form for the Applicant (yourself) Declaration Form for the Audit Principal (AP) Record of your qualifying audit experience (QAE)
Professional standing	Certificate of Good Standing from the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
Work experience and character	Testimonials from past and current employers (for both audit and non-audit experience) Letter of support from firm (if you are joining an existing accounting entity)
Foreign experience, if any	Additional documents listed in the Addendum to Application to be Registered as a Public Accountant.

Fees and processing time

PA registration

What you need to know	Details
Fee	$1,000 (non-refundable)
Payment method	Credit card (MasterCard and VISA) PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay
Processing time	Within 15 working days after ACRA receives the required documents and information

How to register

Open the General lodgement eService and log in.
Under the "General lodgement type", select Register as a public accountant.
Download and complete the form.
Submit the form via the General lodgement eService.

If you are relying on foreign QAE

Email all required documents to acra_pod@acra.gov.sg within five working days of your filing.

After registration

Most applications are processed within 15 working days after ACRA receives the required documents and information.

Registration outcome email

If your registration is	What to expect
Approved	Your Certificate of Registration (PDF) will be included in the email. It is valid from the issue date until 31 December of the same year. Note: You must renew your certificate annually between 1 to 31 December.
Rejected	The reasons for rejection will be provided. The application fee is non-refundable.

If your registration is

What to expect

Approved

Your Certificate of Registration (PDF) will be included in the email. It is valid from the issue date until 31 December of the same year.

Note: You must renew your certificate annually between 1 to 31 December.

Rejected

The reasons for rejection will be provided.

The application fee is non-refundable.

Submitting an appeal

You can appeal to the Minister of Finance within 30 days, but only if your application was rejected on one of these grounds:

Not of good reputation or character
Engaged in business inconsistent with public accountant integrity
Otherwise unfit to practise as a public accountant
PA registration was withdrawn, suspended, cancelled or revoked in another country

More details: Section 11(5) of the Accountants Act

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