For any Singapore small business, Share Certificates are not just paperwork—they are legal documents that confirm ownership of shares and safeguard shareholder rights. Issuing them properly and on time is a vital compliance step under the Companies Act, and an area where corporate secretarial services in Singapore play a central role.
Understanding when and how to issue Share Certificates will help your business stay compliant and avoid unnecessary complications.
Share Certificates are usually issued in three situations:
Share allotment – When new shares are created and allotted to shareholders.
Share transfer – When existing shares are transferred from one shareholder to another.
Lost certificates – When a shareholder requests a replacement.
60 days after share allotment → Certificates must be issued.
30 days after a transfer lodged with ACRA → Certificates must be issued.
The company secretary prepares the certificate, which must include:
Company name and registration number
Shareholder details
Share class and number of shares held
Payment status (fully or partly paid)
Date of issue and certificate number
Signatures of two directors, or one director and the company secretary (no common seal required since 2017)
The board of directors passes a resolution approving the allotment.
The company secretary files a return of allotment with ACRA within 14 days.
The share certificate is issued within 60 days.
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The company secretary prepares the transfer documents (instrument of transfer, board resolutions).
The transfer is lodged with ACRA.
The original certificate is cancelled, and a new one is issued within 30 days.
The shareholder submits a statutory declaration of loss.
The board passes a resolution approving the duplicate.
If the share value exceeds SGD 500, a public notice and indemnity bond may be required.
A replacement share certificate is issued.
For a Singapore small business, issuing Share Certificates is an essential compliance requirement that ensures shareholder rights are protected. Certificates must be prepared accurately, signed by the appropriate parties, and issued within the strict deadlines set out in the Companies Act. From allotments and transfers to lost certificate replacements, the company secretary plays a central role in managing these processes. Staying compliant not only avoids penalties but also strengthens transparency and trust—foundations that are critical for any growing enterprise in Singapore.
Don’t let regulatory complexities impede your business growth. Counto’s elite corporate secretarial services are your strategic advantage for flawless compliance and governance in Singapore’s competitive business landscape. To learn more, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our  contact form to get started.
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