Setting up a company in Singapore begins with a crucial step: ensuring your company name is available.
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) handles all company name registrations in Singapore.
Here’s how to check availability and get your name reserved.
How to Check Company Name Availability
Before you get attached to a business name, check if it’s actually available:
- Go to ACRA’s BizFile+ portal at https://www.bizfile.gov.sg
- Use the free “Entity Search” function (no login required)
- Type in your proposed company name
- Review the list of similar or identical registered names
ACRA considers names identical when they differ only by:
- The word “THE”
- Business structure suffixes like “Private”, “Pte”, “Ltd”, “Sdn”, “Bhd”
- Geographic descriptors at the end: “Singapore”, “Asia”, “International”, “Asia Pacific”, “South East Asia”, “Worldwide”
- Words like “Company”, “and Company”, “Corporation”, “Incorporated”
- Plural forms (Company vs Companies)
- Letter case, spacing, punctuation marks, or “&” vs “and”
So “The Blue Elephant Trading Singapore Pte Ltd” would be considered identical to “Blue Elephant Trading Company”.
What Kind of Names to Avoid
Save yourself time and rejection by steering clear of these:
Restricted words requiring licenses:
- “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Finance” – need MAS approval
- “Academy”, “School”, “Education”, “University” – need MOE approval
- “Securities”, “Trust”, “Fund Management” – need regulatory clearance
- “Law”, “Legal” – need Law Society approval
Names ACRA won’t approve:
- Obscene, offensive, or vulgar names
- Names suggesting government connection (“National”, “Authority”, “Ministry”)
- Names identical to existing trademarks or well-known brands
- Names that are too generic (“Trading Company Pte Ltd”)
- Names that could mislead about your business nature
Names that create problems later:
- Overly specific names that limit expansion (“John’s Clementi Cafe” if you plan to open in other areas)
- Names that are difficult to spell or pronounce in English
- Names with special characters or numbers that look unprofessional
- Extremely long names (keep it under 70 characters)
Understanding SSIC Codes
When you apply for your company name, you’ll need to select SSIC codes. These are Singapore Standard Industrial Classification codes that categorise your business activities.
You’ll choose:
- One primary SSIC code (your main business activity)
- Up to two secondary SSIC codes (other activities)
Find the right codes at the ACRA SSIC search tool. Common codes for foreign companies include:
- 46900: Non-specialised wholesale trade
- 70209: Management consultancy services
- 62010: Software development and publishing
Picking the right SSIC codes matters for tax filing and regulatory compliance later, so choose codes that match what your company will do.
Name Reservation Process
Once you’ve confirmed your name is available:
Reservation fee: SGD $15
Reservation period: 120 days from approval
What happens:
- Submit your name application through BizFile+ with your chosen SSIC codes
- ACRA typically approves or rejects within 1-2 business days
- If approved, your name is reserved exclusively for 120 days
- You must incorporate within this period, or the name becomes available again
Important note: Even after incorporation, ACRA can require you to change your name within the first year if someone files a valid legal objection.
Working with an ACRA-Registered Corporate Service Provider
Most foreign entrepreneurs engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to handle their incorporation in Singapore. Here’s why:
What CSPs do:
- Conduct thorough name searches to avoid rejections
- Handle the entire name reservation process
- Prepare incorporation documents
- File with ACRA on your behalf
- Provide registered address and company secretary services (both mandatory)
- Navigate regulatory requirements specific to foreign-owned companies
The practical advantage: You avoid back-and-forth with ACRA, ensure compliance from day one, and get your company up faster. Most CSPs can complete incorporation within 1-3 business days after name approval.
All CSPs must be registered with ACRA under the Corporate Service Providers Act 2024, which means they meet professional standards and are audited regularly.
How HC Consultancy Helps You
At HC Consultancy, we handle the entire company name and incorporation process for foreign businesses setting up in Singapore.
We take care of:
- Initial name availability search across ACRA’s database
- Strategic advice on naming (or if you’ve already chosen one)
- Name reservation filing with ACRA
- Full incorporation documentation for Private Limited Companies and LLPs
- SSIC code selection based on your actual business model
- Registered office address in Singapore
- Company secretary appointment (mandatory requirement)
- Post-incorporation compliance setup
We explain the process in plain language and flag potential issues before they become problems. You focus on your business plan; we handle the paperwork.
Ready to check your company name and start your incorporation?
Contact us at HC Consultancy for a consultation. We’ll search your name availability, explain your options, and provide a clear timeline and cost breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does ACRA take to approve a company name?
Usually 1-2 business days. Simple, straightforward names get approved faster. Names with restricted words or requiring clarification may take 3-5 business days. If your name gets rejected, you’ll need to submit a new application with the $15 fee again.
2. Can I reserve multiple names at once?
No. You can only reserve one name per application. If you’re unsure between two names, you’ll need to pick one and apply. Some businesses submit applications sequentially, but you’ll pay $15 for each reservation. Most CSPs recommend doing thorough searches first and committing to your strongest option.
3. What happens if my ideal name is already taken?
You have several options: Add a differentiating word (“Blue Elephant Solutions” instead of “Blue Elephant”), incorporate the name of a specific service (“Blue Elephant Marketing”), or go with a completely different name.
4. Can I change my company name after incorporation?
Yes, but it costs more and requires resolutions. You’ll need to pass a special resolution, file the change with ACRA (fees apply), and update all business documents, bank accounts, and contracts. It’s much easier to get the name right from the start. Companies typically only change names during rebranding or after acquisitions.
