Can we incorporate a Private Limited Company without using the word “Private” in the proposed name? E.g. ABC Limited
If you wish to incorporate a Private Limited Company, you must use the
suffix “Pte Ltd”. Only a public company may be incorporated without the
word Private.
I want to have the same company name as my business name. How do I apply for it?
2 different business entities cannot have the same name even if the
owners and directors are the same persons. You may however, apply for a
slightly different name e.g. if the business name is ABC Trading, you
may apply for ABC Trading Network Pte. Ltd.
Can I apply for a company name which is similar to another company name?
When we submit a name application, the system will first do a check on
similar names. If the proposed name is found to be similar or identical
to another name on the ACRA register, the name will be rejected. You may
choose to submit another name or submit an appeal to use the proposed
name. If you have managed to obtain a letter of consent from the other
company/business with the similar name, it would be advisable to attach a
copy of the letter (in PDF format) to the name appeal. The name appeal
will be routed to ACRA for consideration. It will take approximately 3
working days to process the name appeal.
I have applied for a company name and it has been approved. Now I want to change the proposed name. Can I do so?
You are not allowed to change or amend the name application. However, you
can submit a fresh application for a new proposed name. If the name is
rejected because it is similar or identical to the earlier application,
you may submit a name appeal online.
If a company has been struck off, can I use the same name?
Yes. The name will be available 15 years after the company has been struck
off because the company can be restored to the register within 15 years
from date of striking off.
Why does my company name application require 14 working days to process?
The processing time of name application is on a case-by-case basis. The
minimum processing time is within 15 minutes after payment while some
referral cases require 14 days or more.
How do I convert my business to company?
You would have to retain the exact business name for use in the company
name. You would also have to undertake to terminate the business firm
upon incorporation by indicating the business name and business
registration number in the company application form.
Can I extend the reservation period of my approved company name after the expiry date?
No, the name reservation period can only be extended if the application is
submitted before the expiry date. A fee is payable and only one
extension is allowed.
How do I find out whether a name that I want to use for my business entity can be approved?
We would advise you to do a search using the Directory of Business,
Company, LLP, PAC, PAF Names at www.bizfile.gov.sg. There is no fee
payable for using this search function.
Do I need to obtain any approval prior to registration with ACRA?
Yes. You need to obtain prior approval from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) before submitting the name application online.
Do we need to register the company’s Chinese name with ACRA?
You are only required to register the business name in English. If the
Chinese name is also part of the business name, you may wish to
translate it into English.
How long will an approved company name be reserved?
An approved company name will be reserved for 60 days from the date of
name application. If you need more time, you can extend the reservation
of the approved company name for another 60 days. Please note that you
will have to apply for the extension latest by the 59th day from the
date of name application; otherwise you will not be able to apply for
the extension.
I want to change the approved company name from Private Limited to Pte Ltd. What transaction must I submit?
We will withdraw the earlier name application and then re-apply for a new
name. If the name is rejected by the system because it is similar or
identical to the earlier application, we may submit a name appeal
online.
If my proposed name is rejected by your system, what options do I have?
You can either submit another name or appeal for the proposed name by
stating a valid reason. If you have a letter of consent from the other
company/business with the similar name, please attach the letter of
consent which is signed by the director/owner. The letter of consent
must be in PDF format and submitted together with the name appeal. The
appeal will then be routed to an ACRA officer for consideration. It will
take approximately 3 working days for the outcome of the appeal to be
known.
When is the last day I must incorporate the company after it has been approved?
The company name is reserved for 60 days from the date of application. You
will need to incorporate the company by the 60th day from the date of
application.
What words are considered to be similar or identical?
Please refer to Practice Direction No 4 of 2003 which can be found at the following URL: https://www.acra.gov.sg/legislation/practice0403.html
I had a business firm which is no longer live. Can I use the same name to register a new business?
Yes, you can re-register the business using the same name. This is on
condition that the previous owners of the business firm are the same
owners of the new business firm.
Is there any age requirement to be appointed as a Company Director?
Yes, the company director must be at least 18 years old (with effect from 1 March 2009) at the time of appointment.
I have registered a company. Must I renew the company registration yearly?
A company is not renewed yearly as per the business entity rather is required to submit Annual Return on a yearly basis.
How do I know if my proposed company name will be approved?
Bizfile automatically processes the name application and responds with outcome.
A name will be rejected if it is identical to the name of another
company, LLP or business. Undesirable names, including vulgar names,
will also not be allowed.
What is the difference between Exempt/Deemed Exempt Private Company” and “Gazetted Exempt Private Company”?
Exempt/Deemed Exempt Private Company means any Exempt Private Company that has less
than 20 members, none of them corporate. The status is not specially
conferred, it is simply a status by operation of law (ie, definition in
section 4). Gazetted Exempt Private Company, on the other hand, are
government-owned companies which to qualify as Exempt Private Company,
must be so declared by the Minister in the Gazette, hence the name.
