XBRL Filing Requirements in Singapore
Since 2014, Singapore-incorporated companies that are not exempted are required to file their financial statements in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format—an XML-based standard designed to facilitate structured and consistent financial reporting. This digital format enhances data accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
All companies, unless specifically exempted, must file their Annual Returns (AR) with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) via the BizFile+ portal. For private companies, the AR must be submitted within 7 months after the end of their financial year, while public companies must do so within 5 months.
Exempt Private Companies (EPCs)—defined as private companies with no more than 20 shareholders and no corporate shareholders—may be exempted from filing full financial statements, provided they meet the solvency criteria. These companies may instead file a simplified AR without attaching financial statements.
For all other companies, filing financial statements in XBRL format is mandatory as part of the AR submission. XBRL is a standardized digital language used globally for the electronic reporting of financial information. In practice, the company’s auditor or financial accountant typically handles the preparation and conversion of financial statements into the required XBRL format.
Do you need a full set of financial statements in XBRL format or in PDF format?
Check out the table below:
| Group | Companies that file FS that are made public | XBRL Filing Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SG-incorporated companies that are not covered in Groups 2 to 5 below. | To file FS in XBRL format, and the extent of XBRL filing varies based on the company’s nature and size of operations: Smaller and non-publicly accountable companies (both terms are defined below) : To file FS in Simplified XBRL template, together with PDF copy of FS authorised by directors; and All other companies – To file FS in Full XBRL template. |
| 2 | SG-incorporated exempt private companies (EPCs) that are insolvent | To file FS in XBRL format, and the extent of XBRL filing varies based on the company’s nature and size of operations: Smaller and non-publicly accountable companies (both terms are defined below) : To file FS in Simplified XBRL template, together with PDF copy of FS authorised by directors; and All other companies – To file FS in Full XBRL template. |
| 3 | SG-incorporated EPCs that are solvent | Not required to file FS. If the company opts to voluntarily file, to file FS in either: PDF copy of the FS authorised by directors; or FS in XBRL format. If the company opts to file FS in XBRL format, its extent of XBRL filing will vary based on the same criteria as Groups 1 and 2. |
| 4 | SG-incorporated companies in the business of banking, finance and insurance regulated by MAS | To file FS in: XBRL FSH (Banks) template; or XBRL FSH (Insurance) template; together with PDF copy of the FS authorised by directors. |
| 5 | SG-incorporated companies preparing FS using accounting standards other than prescribed accounting standards in Singapore or IFRS | To file only PDF copy of the FS authorised by directors. |
| 6 | SG-incorporated companies limited by guarantee | To file only PDF copy of the FS authorised by directors. |
| 7 | Foreign companies with SG branches | To file only PDF copy of the FS authorised by directors. |
