Last updated
ACRA decides whether a company name is accepted, and its rules are short. The name must not be identical to another, must not be offensive or official-sounding, and must differ by more than filler words. Rules are the same whether you apply yourself or through a provider. Details below come from ACRA pages checked on .
Which names does ACRA reject?
ACRA tells applicants to avoid three kinds of name:
- Identical names. The name matches an existing business or a name someone has reserved.
- Undesirable names. These contain vulgar, obscene or offensive terms.
- Official or protected names. The name is similar to a government body or protected by legislation. ACRA gives Temasek as an example.
If the name already exists, ACRA says your registration will likely be rejected, and the fee does not come back. If a name is unavailable but you have a good reason to use it, you can ask ACRA to review the decision.
Which words do not make a name different?
ACRA ignores a set of words when it compares names. If your name differs only by these, it counts as the same name.
| Type | Disregarded words |
|---|---|
| Article | The, at the start |
| Place words | Asia, Asia Pacific, South Asia, South East Asia, Singapore, Worldwide |
| Business descriptors | Company, And Company, Corporation, Group, Associates, Holdings, Incorporated, International, Trading, Partners, Partnership |
| Entity types | Pte, Ltd, LLP, LP, PAC, Berhad, Bhd, Sdn, Private, Limited, Sendirian |
| Domain endings | .co, .com, .edu, .gov, .net, .org, .sg |
ACRA's own example uses the name Morning Caffeine. Morning Caffeine Asia, Morning Caffeine Singapore, Morning Caffeine International and Morning Caffeine Sdn Bhd would each be treated as the same as the original. To stand out, add clear, meaningful words, or pick a different name.
When does a name need approval from another agency?
Some names are referred to a government agency before ACRA can approve them. ACRA's example is any name with the word school, which may go to the Ministry of Education. Charities have their own naming rules to check. Referral adds 14 to 60 days to the timeline.
Ordinary reviews are quicker. ACRA says its own review takes up to three working days, and cases sent to referral authorities can take up to 15 working days. ACRA tells you if it needs more time. ACRA gives both figures on different pages, so if your name contains a sensitive word, plan for the longer 14 to 60 day range.
What if a similar name already exists?
You can still apply if the other owner agrees. ACRA lists a letter of consent from the director or owner of the business with the identical name as a supporting document. Some names also need a justification, for example the word ASEAN. Without consent or a reason, pick a new name.
How much does a name application cost and who can apply?
The application fee is S$15. It is non-refundable if the name is unavailable or you withdraw. A director or secretary of the proposed local company can apply with Singpass. Foreigners must use a corporate service provider to register a business, and anyone can hire a CSP to apply for them. Our page on reserving and checking a name walks through the Bizfile search and application.
How long does the name stay yours?
An approved name is held for 120 days. Only the person who reserved it can register the company, and that person must be appointed director or secretary. Register the same entity type you chose when you reserved the name. After 120 days, the name is released.
Does the name give you ownership of the brand?
No. ACRA is clear that a business name registration is not a trade mark. It does not give exclusive rights or intellectual property protection. For exclusive rights, apply separately to IPOS for a trade mark. ACRA also notes that a domain is first come, first served, so a registered company name does not secure the website address. Check the domain, social handles and trade marks before you commit, using the e-Adviser for Starting a Business that ACRA points to.
Can another business challenge your name?
Yes. A business owner can file a name complaint with ACRA if your name is identical to theirs, too similar and likely to confuse customers, undesirable or protected. The fee is S$200 and the filer needs Corppass. The complaint must be made within 12 months of your registration, so a name that survives a year is safer. If you later need to rename, see how to change a company name.
Choosing a name is only one step in company incorporation. If you want a provider to check and file the name for you, use the quote form on the next page and we pass your request to suitable firms. We are an independent guide, not ACRA.
Sources
- ACRA: Choosing a business name: rejected names, disregarded words, referral authorities.
- ACRA: Reserving a business name via Bizfile: fee, timing, who can apply, 120 day hold, trade marks.
- ACRA: Registering a local company via Bizfile: who may register and the same-entity-type rule.
- ACRA: Filing a name complaint: grounds, S$200 fee and 12 month limit.
