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To see whether a company name is free in Singapore, search Bizfile for existing and reserved entities, then apply to ACRA to reserve it. The application costs S$15 and the name is held for 120 days. This page was checked on .
Where do you check name availability?
ACRA points to two places.
| What to check | Where |
|---|---|
| Existing business names, domain names, social media usernames and trade marks to avoid | e-Adviser for Starting a Business |
| Reserved business names | Bizfile, under Search for business information, select Reserved name |
On the reserved name search, enter the name you want. If nothing comes back, no one is holding it. ACRA warns that if you pick a name that already exists, your registration will likely be rejected, and registration fees are non-refundable. Our UEN search page covers looking up existing entities.
An empty search is not a guarantee. ACRA decides on the application, and it can still refuse a name it finds identical, too similar or undesirable.
What does ACRA reject?
ACRA tells you to avoid names that are:
- identical to an existing business or reserved name;
- undesirable, for example vulgar, obscene or offensive; or
- similar to government bodies or names protected by legislation, such as Temasek.
Some names need a referral authority. ACRA's example is a name containing "school", which may go to the Ministry of Education. That can add 14 to 60 days to processing.
Which words do not make a name different?
ACRA disregards these when it compares names.
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| The, at the start | The Morning Caffeine |
| Geographical or regional words | Asia, Asia Pacific, South East Asia, Singapore, Worldwide |
| Business descriptors | Company, Group, Associates, Holdings, International, Trading, Partners |
| Entity type words | Pte, Ltd, LLP, Sdn, Bhd, Private, Limited |
| Domain suffixes | .com, .net, .org, .sg |
If your only change is one of these, the application is rejected. ACRA's advice is to use a different name or add clear, meaningful words so the name stands out. Letters from the owner of an identical name can help in some cases: ACRA lists a letter of consent from the director or owner of the business with the identical name as a document you may need.
How do you reserve the name?
Apply on Bizfile. A director or secretary of the proposed local company can apply with Singpass. Anyone can hire a corporate service provider, and foreigners must use one to register a company. Have ready the name without legal suffixes, the entity type, the main business activity (an SSIC code, see SSIC code) and an email address.
| Item | ACRA terms |
|---|---|
| Fee | S$15, non-refundable if the name is unavailable or withdrawn |
| Review | Up to 3 working days |
| Referral authorities | Up to 15 working days |
| Hold period | 120 days |
Save the transaction number from the approved application. You enter it when you register the company. See company registration and company incorporation for the next step.
What if the name is unavailable?
ACRA says you can submit a name review request if you have a good reason to use a name that is identical or not allowed. Expect to explain the reason and to attach documents. A plan B is faster: change the name, add distinctive words, or try a second spelling that is not just a disregarded word.
If you already have a company and want a new name, see change company name. The update costs nothing once the new name is approved.
What should you check beyond ACRA?
ACRA's approval of a name is not a legal clearance. A name can pass ACRA and still infringe someone's trade mark.
- Search the IPOS register for similar marks. See trademark classes for how filing works.
- Check the domain and social handles before you commit.
- Say the name aloud with a customer in mind. If it is hard to spell, people will not find you.
Registering a business name does not give exclusive rights. ACRA says that only a trade mark does that, and you apply to IPOS for it. See trademark registration.
Independent guide
SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is not ACRA, and we cannot hold a name for you. We explain how ACRA's name rules work. If you want a firm to check the name, reserve it and register the company, use the quote form and we pass your request to providers who do that. They set their own fees on top of ACRA's.
Sources
- ACRA, Choosing a business name, https://www.acra.gov.sg/register/business/choosing-reserving-a-business-name/choosing/ (rules, disregarded words, where to check)
- ACRA, Reserving a business name via Bizfile, https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/setting-up-a-local-company/choosing-a-company-name (S$15 fee, review time, 120 days, trade mark note)
- ACRA, Changing your business name, https://www.acra.gov.sg/resources/guides-forms/changing-your-business-name/ (name change fee and process)
