Ultimate Guide to Checking Company Names in Singapore Are You Ready?

A Comprehensive Guide to Company Name Search in Singapore Are You Ready?

In the context of global economic integration, Singapore has become one of the top choices for entrepreneurs and business owners setting up companies, thanks to its stable environment, strategic geographical location, and efficient business system. According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, the number of newly registered businesses in the first quarter of 2025 increased by more than 12% year-on-year, demonstrating the continued appeal of the Singaporean market to investors worldwide.

When registering a company in Singapore, choosing an appropriate company name is not only crucial for brand identity but also directly affects the smoothness of the registration process. Therefore, conducting a thorough company name search before submitting the official application is of great importance.

1. Why Conduct a Company Name Search?

Before registering a company in Singapore, it is essential to ensure that the chosen name is not already in use or registered. This is because the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA enforces strict requirements regarding name uniqueness. If a name is duplicated or too similar to an existing one, ACRA may reject the application, leading to unnecessary delays and resource waste.

Additionally, a proper name search helps prevent potential legal disputes. For instance, if the name closely resembles a well-known brand, it could lead to trademark infringement issues. In March 2025, a local startup was forced to change its name after receiving complaints for using a name too similar to an international brand, which disrupted its early branding and marketing plans.

2. How to Conduct a Company Name Search

1. Visit the ACRA Official Website

Company registration in Singapore is centrally managed by ACRA. By visiting the ACRA website at https//www.acra.gov.sghttps//www.acra.gov.sg and clicking on the Name Reservation section, you can access the name search system. This online platform allows applicants to perform a preliminary check on the availability of a proposed name.

2. Use BizFile+ System

BizFile+ is the official e-service platform provided by ACRA, allowing users to submit company registration applications and conduct various types of company-related queries. Although it does not provide direct access to the full database of registered names, the system automatically checks for duplicates or highly similar names when you attempt to submit your name application and provides immediate feedback.

3. Consult Professional Service Providers

For first-time registrants, navigating the system directly might be challenging. In such cases, you may consider hiring a professional company registration agent or law firm for assistance. These experts typically have extensive experience and can help clients efficiently complete name searches, risk assessments, and the overall application process.

3. Common Issues and Key Considerations During Name Search

1. Is the Name Misleading?

ACRA stipulates that company names must not be misleading or contrary to public interest. For example, words such as Bank, Insurance, or Trust require specific industry licensing approvals. Even if the name is available, it may still be rejected if it fails to meet these regulatory conditions.

2. Similarity to Existing Names

ACRA evaluates names using a holistic approach-not just based on exact matches but also considering spelling, pronunciation, and meaning. For instance, Global Tech Solutions Pte Ltd and GlobalTech Solutions Pte Ltd may be considered too similar and thus rejected.

3. Third-Party Rights

Beyond checking the ACRA database, it's also important to verify whether the name has already been trademarked by another party. It is advisable to check trademark registrations via the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore IPOS website to avoid future disputes.

4. Recent Trends and Practical Recommendations

In recent years, with the rise of the tech startup boom, more companies are opting for English names-especially those incorporating modern or international-sounding terms like AI, Cloud, Innovate, and others. At the same time, ACRA has continuously improved its services. In early 2025, the agency launched a new smart name recommendation feature that generates multiple alternative names based on user-entered keywords and estimates each name’s likelihood of approval. This innovation significantly enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of the name search process.

5. Conclusion

Registering a company in Singapore is a serious and strategic decision, and the name search is the very first step in this journey. Getting this right not only increases the chances of successful registration but also lays a solid foundation for future brand development. Whether you are an individual entrepreneur or part of a multinational corporation, this step should not be overlooked. Careful planning and thorough preparation will allow you to move forward confidently in this land of opportunity.

If you're preparing to start your entrepreneurial journey in Singapore, begin researching and selecting your company name today. After all, a strong, compliant name is often the first step toward success.