How to Register a Company Name in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right company name is a crucial first step in building a successful business. Your company name creates a first impression and shapes customer perception, making it an essential part of your brand identity.

Before incorporating your business, you must reserve a company name that complies with Singapore’s regulations. This guide walks you through the company name reservation process, how to check name availability, and the steps for changing a company name if necessary.

How to Check Company Name Availability in Singapore

Before selecting a company name, here are key factors to consider:

• Needs to be unique
• Shows positive connotations
• Not trademarked
• Website-friendly
• Memorable

ACRA’s Company Name Approval Criteria

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) regulates business name approvals in Singapore. ACRA will reject a name if it is:

• Undesirable – Includes vulgar, offensive, or misleading terms.
• Identical to an Existing Business – The name must be different from other registered companies.
• Identical to a Reserved Name – A name that is already reserved by another entity cannot be used.
• Restricted by the Government – Some names (e.g., “Temasek”) require special approval and cannot be registered freely.

How to Check Company Name Availability

To verify if your chosen name is available, use ACRA’s BizFile+ platform or a company name checker tool. If your name is taken, try variations that maintain branding while meeting ACRA’s approval criteria.

Reserving a Company Name in Singapore

Once you confirm your company name is available, the next step is to reserve it with ACRA.

Key Facts About Name Reservation

• The reservation is valid for 120 days from the approval date.
• If you fail to incorporate your company within this period, the name will be released for others to use.
• Some names containing words like “bank,” “insurance,” “university,” or “education” require government approval, which can take 1–14 days.
• Even after approval, the Registrar can still request a name change if a valid complaint is lodged within 12 months of incorporation.

Ways to Reserve a Business Name

For Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships:

• Register directly through GoBusiness.
• Log in using SingPass.
• Use the e-Adviser for Starting a Business for guidance.

For All Business Types:

• Register directly via ACRA’s BizFile+ platform.
• Engage a registered filing agent to handle the reservation process.

Procedure for Company Name Approval

Filing for name approval is done online via BizFile+. If the name meets all criteria, approval can be granted within an hour.

However, some names require additional review by referral authorities, which can take 14 to 60 days depending on the complexity of the name and industry regulations.

During this time, you must also specify your business activities by selecting the most appropriate Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.

Can I Register a Name from an Inactive Company?

If you wish to reserve a name that matches a previously registered but now inactive company, you must wait for a specific period before it becomes available again.

According to Section 22 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2014, the waiting period is as follows:

• Dissolved companies (winding-up process) – Must wait 2 years after dissolution.
• Dissolved companies (name strike-off process) – Must wait 6 years after name removal.
• Canceled business names or ceased businesses – Must wait 1 year after cancellation.
• Foreign companies with dissolution notices – Must wait 2 years before reuse.
• Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) – Must wait 2 years after winding-up or 6 years after strike-off.

Only after the waiting period passes can a new company register using the identical name.

How to Change Your Company Name in Singapore

Rebranding or restructuring often requires a company name change. The process is similar to registering a new business name.

Steps to Change a Company Name

1. Choose a new name – Ensure it complies with ACRA’s approval guidelines.
2. Submit an application via BizFile+ – The process follows the same requirements as a new company name registration.
3. Notify stakeholders – Inform shareholders, clients, and business partners about the name change.
4. Obtain shareholder approval – At least 75% of voting shareholders must approve the name change.
5. Update with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) by submitting:
   • Tax reference number
   • Previous registered name
   • New registered name

Once the name change is approved, IRAS will send a confirmation email. If not received within two weeks, company owners should contact IRAS for verification.

Singapore Trademark Registration

Regardless of whether your company is a private limited company or partnership, you have the right to trademark your business name. Trademarking protects your brand identity and prevents unauthorized use by competitors.

Benefits of Trademarking Your Company Name

• Exclusive Usage Rights – No other business can legally use your registered name.
• Brand Protection – Safeguards your identity against copycats.
• Increased Market Value – A registered trademark adds credibility and financial worth to your business.
• Licensing & Revenue Generation – Allows third-party licensing to generate passive income.
• Government Tax Rebates – Under the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme, businesses can receive up to 400% tax rebates on trademark registration costs.

For a step-by-step guide on Singapore trademark registration, refer to the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) website.

Final Thoughts

Your company name is a vital asset that shapes your brand identity and long-term success. By choosing a unique and compliant name, ensuring proper registration, and considering trademark protection, you safeguard your business from potential legal challenges while strengthening your market presence.

To simplify the company name reservation and incorporation process, consider engaging a corporate service provider to handle filings and compliance on your behalf.