How to Pass Singapore Company Name Approval? Comprehensive Analysis!

How to Successfully Pass the Company Name Check in Singapore? A Detailed Analysis!

Registering a company in Singapore starts with choosing an appropriate company name. However, many entrepreneurs often face rejections due to non-compliance with regulations, leading to wasted time and effort. Understanding the process and key considerations for company name checks is essential for a successful business registration.

According to the regulations set by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, company names must meet certain criteria, including not being identical to existing names, not containing sensitive words, and not being misleading. In recent years, as Singapore's business environment continues to develop, ACRA has tightened its name review standards, requiring entrepreneurs to be more careful when selecting a company name.

I. Basic Requirements for Company Names in Singapore

First, the company name must be unique. Before submitting a name, entrepreneurs should use ACRA's online system, NameSearch, to ensure the name is not already taken. For example, in May 2025, ACRA announced that due to the continuous increase in new companies, some popular names had been quickly occupied, advising entrepreneurs to conduct name searches early.

Second, the company name must not contain words that violate public order or morality. For instance, names involving politics, religion, or race are prohibited. Certain industry-specific terms or keywords also require special attention. For example, if a company plans to operate in the financial sector, using words like bank or insurance in the name may require additional licenses.

Third, the company name must not be misleading. That means it should not give the impression that the company is associated with government agencies, well-known companies, or other entities. For example, a name containing Government or Singapore Tourism Board may be rejected.

II. Common Reasons for Rejection and Strategies to Avoid Them

According to ACRA's official data, about 15% of company name applications in 2025 were rejected due to non-compliance. Common reasons include

1. Name duplication This is the most common issue. Entrepreneurs often overlook the importance of system checks and submit names that have already been used. It is recommended to verify multiple times using ACRA’s NameSearch tool before submission.

2. Sensitive words As mentioned earlier, names involving politics, religion, or race will be directly rejected. For example, in early 2025, a tech startup was asked to change its name because National Innovation could cause confusion.

3. Formatting errors Company names must end with suffixes such as Pte Ltd or LLC; otherwise, they will be considered incomplete. Also, special characters or spaces are not allowed unless they are legal hyphens or apostrophes.

4. Too long or complex ACRA limits company names to 16 characters 8 Chinese characters. Entrepreneurs should choose simple and clear names, avoiding overly complicated structures.

III. Practical Tips for Optimizing Company Names

To improve the approval rate, entrepreneurs can take the following strategies

1. Plan ahead Before starting the registration process, it is recommended to prepare at least 3-5 alternative names and check them one by one to ensure enough options.

2. Use professional tools In addition to ACRA’s official tools, third-party company name search platforms can provide more detailed analysis and suggestions.

3. Align with brand positioning A company name is not only a legal requirement but also part of the brand image. Entrepreneurs should choose names that reflect the company's characteristics and business direction while meeting legal requirements.

4. Consult professionals For uncertain names, seek help from professional agencies or lawyers who can offer more accurate advice based on their experience.

IV. Latest Policy Updates and Recommendations

In July 2025, ACRA announced further strengthening of company name reviews, especially in emerging fields such as fintech and blockchain. This move aims to prevent the appearance of false or misleading company names and protect investors. Entrepreneurs should pay more attention to compliance when choosing a name.

ACRA also encourages entrepreneurs to use English names, as they are usually processed more efficiently and are more easily accepted by international clients. However, if a Chinese name is preferred, it must still comply with the relevant rules, such as accurately including the term Limited Company.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, passing the company name check in Singapore is not difficult, but it requires patience and thorough preparation. From name selection to system checks, every step is crucial. As Singapore's business environment continues to improve, the company registration process is gradually becoming more refined, but compliance remains the foundation of business development. Only by operating within the legal framework can enterprises steadily advance in the competitive market.

It is recommended that entrepreneurs fully understand and follow ACRA’s regulations before registering a company, plan the company name reasonably, and ensure a smooth approval process, saving time and costs and laying a solid foundation for long-term business growth.