What is a Company Registration Number?
A company registration number is a unique number that is issued to businesses when a company is established or incorporated. Depending on the country of origin, the company registration number can consist of numbers, letters or a combination of both.
The company registration number will be displayed on the business certificate of incorporation and the public register next to the company’s business details. Company registrations are computer generated on a sequential basis, so business owners will not be allowed to pick and choose the numbers that they would like. You will not be allowed to reserve a company registration number in advance either.
Even if your company were to experience a name change in the future, only the name of the business would change. The company registration number will remain the same even if the business activities, directors or shareholders undergo a change of management.
A registered business would have a few references associated with the company, and it is important to remember that your company registration number is not:
- The same as your VAT number, even though it also consists of digits
- The same as your unique taxpayer reference, as this is used to identify a company for tax related purposes
The same as your employer reference number
Where Would You Find Your Company Registration Number?
Your company registration number will be distinct in:
- The company’s certificate of incorporation.
- Emails and other correspondence which involve the company formation agent and accountant who handle the legal documentation.
- On the public register
- On the change of company name certificate should your company experience a name change moving forward.
When Are Company Registration Numbers Used?
Company registration numbers need to be displayed on all forms of business related stationary. This includes official letters, faxes, websites, and invoices for example.
There will also be instances where you would be required to provide your company registration number. These instances could include:
- When your company name is being changed
- When your registered office address is being changed to a different location
- When your company is either adding or removing a company director or secretary
- When filing annual returns
- When filing annual accounts
- When changing the details of the company directors or secretaries
- When registering for business taxes
- When paying corporation taxes
- When filing the company tax returns
- When filing copies of resolutions
- When increasing the share capital
- When issuing share certificates
- When changing the company accounting reference date
If your business has a website, your company registration number must be displayed on the website for official business purposes. To register a company, find out more on Guide to Malaysia Company Registration.