A Practical Guide and Tips for Successfully Registering a Company Name in Singapore

How to Successfully Register a Company Name in Singapore A Comprehensive Guide and Practical Tips

Registering a company name in Singapore is the first and one of the most critical steps in the entrepreneurial journey. As one of the world’s most competitive business hubs, Singapore continues to attract a large number of international investors and entrepreneurs. According to the latest data from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, the number of new company registrations in the first quarter of 2025 increased by more than 12% year-on-year, reflecting a consistently active market. In this context, successfully registering a company name that complies with regulations and holds commercial value has become a key concern for many entrepreneurs.

1. Understanding the Basic Rules for Company Name Registration

In Singapore, company name registration is managed by ACRA. Before submitting a full company registration application, applicants must first submit a name application via ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+, and wait for approval before proceeding.

Key requirements for company names include

1. Uniqueness The name must not be identical or too similar to an existing registered company name.

2. Language Requirements The name must be in English, though it may include other languages as long as an English translation is provided.

3. Restricted Words Terms such as Bank, Insurance, or University require approval from the relevant regulatory authority.

4. No Misleading Words The name must not mislead the public about the nature of the company’s business.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to the Name Application Process

1. Access the BizFile+ Platform

Entrepreneurs must log in to the BizFile+ platform via ACRA’s official website using Singpass or CorpPass.

2. Submit the Name Application

Fill in the proposed company name and other required details. Each application incurs a fee of S$15.

3. Wait for Approval

Most applications receive approval within minutes. However, names involving sensitive terms or requiring inter-agency review may take several business days.

4. Name Reservation

Approved names are reserved for 120 days. If needed, the reservation can be extended once for an additional 60 days.

3. Practical Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

1. Conduct Market Research and Preliminary Screening

Before submitting an official application, entrepreneurs should search ACRA’s database to ensure the name is available. It’s also wise to check for similar trademarks or brands in the local market to avoid future legal disputes.

For example, in early 2025, a startup was rejected for the name GreenLife Tech because a similar name-GreenLife Technologies Pte Ltd-already existed. After revising it to GreenSpark Innovations, the application was approved.

2. Use Strategic Keyword Combinations

Enhance uniqueness by combining core words with adjectives, verbs, or geographical elements

SmartTech Solutions → SmartEdge Technologies

UrbanBites → UrbanBites Asia

These adjustments help meet ACRA’s uniqueness requirement while preserving brand identity.

3. Avoid Generic or Common Combinations

Names like Global Solutions or Asia Trading are often rejected due to their generic nature. Adding more distinctive words improves both approval chances and brand recognition.

4. Think About Future Brand Expansion

A good company name should not only pass registration but also allow for future growth. If your business might expand into different industries-such as education or finance-choose a name that isn’t overly restrictive to a single sector.

4. Special Cases and Important Considerations

1. Non-English Names

While ACRA accepts non-English names, they must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Example Huachuang Tech Pte Ltd with a formal English translation.

2. Use of Sensitive Words

Terms like Bank, Fund, or Academy require prior approval from the relevant regulatory body.

For example, if using FinTech Bank in a fintech company name, approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS is necessary.

3. Name Variants

Some entrepreneurs attempt to bypass duplication by slightly altering a name e.g., TechNova 2.0. However, ACRA’s system can detect such variations, and these names are often still considered duplicates.

5. Case Study Lessons from a Successful Registration

In mid-2025, a Malaysian startup team attempted to register the name EcoCycle for an environmental tech company. The first application was rejected due to similarity with EcoCycle Solutions. The team then revised the name to EcoCycle Hub Pte Ltd and included a clear business description, which led to approval.

The team leader commented

We realized that the name needs to be not only unique but also reflective of the company’s positioning. ACRA’s review system is more intelligent than we imagined, so doing your homework in advance is crucial.

6. Conclusion

While registering a company name in Singapore may seem straightforward, it requires strategic planning and attention to detail. From understanding legal requirements to crafting a meaningful and unique name, each step plays a role in the success of your startup. As Singapore continues to improve its business environment, mastering the correct registration process and practical tips can significantly enhance efficiency and lay a strong foundation for your brand.