Introduction
Choosing a company name is one of the first steps when incorporating in Singapore, but it is also a frequent point of delay. Name reservation rules in Singapore administered by ACRA determine whether your proposed name can be reserved on the BizFile+ portal. Understanding these rules increases your chances of ACRA approval and avoids costly rework.
This article explains the core requirements under the Companies Act and ACRA practice, outlines a step-by-step reservation process and highlights common mistakes to avoid. The guidance below is general; for tailored assistance, Raffles Corporate Services can help with filings and compliance support.
Who this applies to
This guidance applies to:
- Individuals and businesses planning company incorporation in Singapore
- Foreign entities registering a Singapore branch or subsidiary
- Existing companies seeking to change or reserve additional business names
Key rules and requirements in Singapore
ACRA assesses proposed company names under the Companies Act and its own administrative guidelines. Key points are:
Uniqueness:
A name must not be identical to an existing entity’s name on ACRA’s register. Similarity that causes confusion may be rejected.
Offensive or undesirable terms:
Names that are obscene, racist, or contrary to public interest will be refused.
Misleading elements:
Names implying government connection (for example, including “Government”, “Ministry”, or “HDB”) or regulated status without approval will be rejected.
Restricted words and approvals:
Certain words (bank, insurance, law, university, charity, etc.) require prior approval from the relevant authority (MAS, Ministry of Education, Registry of Societies, etc.) or related licences.
Trademarks and intellectual property:
ACRA does not perform full trademark clearance. Names that infringe registered trademarks may later attract disputes under IP laws.
Non-English names and translations:
ACRA accepts non-English names but requires a translated or transliterated version in the application. Foreign scripts should be accompanied by an English equivalent.
Corporate identifiers:
For companies, the name must end with an appropriate indicator (Pte. Ltd. for private companies limited by shares) as required by the Companies Act.
Step-by-step process
Reserving a name on ACRA’s BizFile+ portal is straightforward if you prepare in advance. Follow these steps to increase approval probability:
1. Prepare a shortlist: Create several name options, including alternatives and different word orders. This helps if the first choice is rejected.
2. Check the register and trademarks: Search ACRA’s register for similar names and perform a basic trademark search via IPOS to spot potential conflicts.
3. Avoid restricted terms: Identify whether your proposed name contains regulated or restricted words that need third-party approval and obtain such approvals where necessary.
4. Ensure proper format: Confirm the appropriate company suffix (e.g. Pte. Ltd.) and avoid punctuation or symbols that ACRA may consider unsuitable.
5. Submit via BizFile+: Log in to BizFile+ and submit the name reservation application. The reservation is typically processed within a few hours to one working day, though more complex names may take longer.
6. Reserve and incorporate: Once a name is approved, it is usually reserved for 60 days. Proceed to incorporate within this period or renew the reservation if necessary (subject to ACRA rules).
7. Follow-up compliance: After incorporation, ensure the company name appears correctly on statutory documents and filings to avoid PDPA and Companies Act issues.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these frequent errors to prevent delays:
- Submitting only one name option — you may get rejected and lose time.
- Failing to check trademarks or market use — a name cleared by ACRA can still infringe IP rights.
- Using restricted words without prior approval — this will result in immediate refusal.
- Choosing names too similar to existing entities — similarity is assessed on the likelihood of confusion, not exact matching only.
- Ignoring language or translation requirements for non-English names — provide accurate transliterations or translations.
Practical examples
Practical examples illustrate typical outcomes and how to improve your chances:
Example 1 — Generic descriptive name: “Sunrise Logistics Pte. Ltd.” may be approved if no similar names exist. Adding a distinctive element (a coined word) improves uniqueness.
Example 2 — Potentially misleading name: “Singapore National Care Services Pte. Ltd.” could be rejected for implying a government connection. Removing “Singapore National” or obtaining an explicit approval is necessary.
Example 3 — Restricted term: “ABC Insurance Pte. Ltd.” requires approval from MAS or relevant will approve the name.
Example 4 — Trademark conflict: ACRA may approve “PearlTech Pte. Ltd.” but if a registered trademark exists for “PearlTech” in a related class, the company could face an IP opposition post-registration.
How a corporate secretary can help
A professional corporate secretary in Singapore provides practical support to reduce the risk of name rejection and to speed incorporation:
- Conduct pre-submission checks on ACRA’s register and basic trademark searches.
- Advise on restricted terms and the approvals required from MAS, MOM or other regulators.
- Prepare and submit the BizFile+ name reservation and incorporation documents promptly.
- Coordinate related compliance tasks such as GST registration, CPF setup, and structuring the company’s Financial Year End.
- Provide on-going corporate secretarial services to ensure statutory compliance under the Companies Act.
Raffles Corporate Services can assist with filings, compliance, accounting, tax and payroll support to ensure a smooth start-up process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a trademark as part of the name reservation process?
ACRA does not perform trademark clearance as part of name reservation. It is prudent to perform a trademark search at IPOS and, if required, file for trademark protection to reduce the risk of later disputes.
How long will ACRA reserve an approved name?
ACRA normally reserves an approved name for 60 days. You should complete incorporation within this period or apply for a fresh reservation if needed. Timeframes are subject to ACRA’s current procedures.
What happens if another company has a similar name?
ACRA assesses similarity based on likelihood of confusion. Even without an identical name, a company may be prevented from using a name that is deceptively similar. Seek advice from a corporate secretary if this arises.
Do I need approval for foreign language names?
Non-English names are acceptable but you should provide an English translation or transliteration. Avoid ambiguity by including a clear English equivalent in your application.
Key takeaways
- Prepare multiple distinct name options to improve the chance of ACRA approval.
- Check ACRA’s register and conduct a basic trademark search before submission.
- Avoid restricted or misleading terms without prior approval from the relevant authority.
- Use a corporate secretary to streamline name reservation and subsequent incorporation steps.
- Plan for related compliance tasks such as GST, CPF and Financial Year End considerations early.
If you would like to find out more about how Raffles Corporate Services can assist with your company’s compliance and corporate secretarial requirements, please get in touch with the team at [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
The editorial team at Raffles Corporate Services
Requirements may change, so always check the latest guidance from ACRA, IRAS or MOM, or consult a professional adviser.
Disclaimer: This does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact a lawyer.