Rebranding, a change of ownership, or simply outgrowing a name chosen in a hurry at incorporation are all common reasons to change a company name in Singapore. The process is straightforward, but it is a formal act under the Companies Act 1967 that requires a members’ resolution and an ACRA filing, not just an internal decision. Get the steps in the right order and the change can be completed within days.
This guide walks through how to change your company name in 2026, from checking name availability to updating your records after ACRA issues the notice of change.
Step 1: Check that the new name is available
Before anything else, make sure the proposed name can be used. ACRA will reject names that are identical to an existing entity, undesirable, or that infringe a trademark, and certain words (such as “bank”, “finance” or “school”) require regulatory approval. You reserve the name through an application on ACRA‘s BizFile portal. If approved, the name is reserved for you for a limited period while you complete the change. Choosing a name is much the same exercise as at incorporation, which we cover in our guide on setting up a Pte Ltd.
Step 2: Pass a special resolution
A change of company name requires a special resolution, which needs at least 75% of the votes of members entitled to vote. You can pass it at a general meeting or, for a private company, by written resolution circulated to members. The resolution should state the current name and the exact new name. Recording it correctly matters, so it helps to understand the difference between ordinary and special resolutions, and to keep the signed resolution in your minute book.
Step 3: File the change with ACRA
Once the special resolution is passed and the name is reserved, you (or your corporate secretary or filing agent) lodge the notice of the name change with ACRA through BizFile. On approval, ACRA updates the register and issues a notice reflecting the new name. The company’s Unique Entity Number (UEN) does not change, which is important: your legal identity and history stay the same, only the name changes.
Timeline and costs
| Step | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Name application and reservation | Usually processed within a day (longer if referred to another agency) |
| Special resolution | Immediate for a written resolution; otherwise notice period for a meeting |
| ACRA notice of name change | Usually issued shortly after filing |
The out-of-pocket cost is modest: an ACRA name application fee plus the fee for the notice of change, in addition to any corporate secretarial fee. The bigger cost is usually the downstream administrative work of updating your branding and records.
Step 4: Update everything else
The legal change is only half the job. After the new name is effective, update your business collateral and notify the parties who rely on your name: your bank and any lenders, IRAS and your GST registration if applicable, your licences and permits, insurers, key customers and suppliers, your website and email domain, invoices, letterheads and the company stamp. Your contracts remain valid because the entity is unchanged, but it is good practice to notify counterparties. Because the UEN is unchanged, you do not need to re-sign existing agreements.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing the company name change its legal identity?
No. The company remains the same legal entity with the same UEN, rights and obligations. Only the name changes, so existing contracts and history carry over.
What majority do I need to change the name?
A special resolution is required, meaning at least 75% of the votes cast by members entitled to vote. An ordinary majority is not enough.
Can ACRA reject my new name?
Yes. Names that are identical to an existing entity, undesirable, or that require another agency’s approval can be refused. Check availability before passing the resolution.
– The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services