Key Things About Registering a Company Name in Singapore - Explained in One Article!

Everything You Need to Know About Company Name Registration in Singapore - Explained Clearly

Starting a business or setting up a company in Singapore begins with one of the most important decisions choosing and registering your company name. A well-chosen name not only supports brand building but also shapes the first impression customers have of your business and impacts future marketing efforts.

However, many people are unfamiliar with the specific rules and procedures for registering a company name in Singapore - and some even hold misconceptions. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of company name registration in Singapore, with a practical approach and up-to-date insights.

1. The Basic Process for Registering a Company Name

To register a company in Singapore, the first step is to submit a company name application through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA's online system, BizFile+. This is not only the first step but also one of the most critical.

ACRA will review the proposed name to ensure it doesn’t duplicate an existing company name, violate any regulations, or contain restricted words that require special approval.

Once the name is approved, applicants have 60 days to complete the full company registration. If the registration is not completed within this period, the approved name will be released back into the system for others to use.

2. Common Requirements for Company Names

a Uniqueness Principle

The company name must be unique. ACRA’s system automatically checks against existing records. If a name is identical or highly similar to an existing one, the application will be rejected.

For example, names like TechNova Pte Ltd and Technova Pte Ltd may be considered too similar to pass.

b Restricted Words

Certain words such as Bank, Finance, Education, Law, and Islamic are classified as restricted and require approval from the relevant authority before they can be used.

For instance, if your name includes the word Finance, you must obtain approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS.

c Language and Spelling

Company names must be in English using uppercase letters. You may also choose to register a Chinese name as a supplementary name, although it won’t have legal standing and is used only for identification purposes.

d Company Type Suffix

The name must end with the appropriate company structure, such as Pte Ltd Private Limited, Ltd Public Limited, or LLP Limited Liability Partnership.

Pte Ltd is the most common form and is suitable for most small and medium-sized businesses.

3. Common Reasons for Name Rejection

Based on ACRA guidelines and recent registration cases, here are some common reasons why names are rejected

Too similar to an existing name

For example, adding SG, Asia, or Global at the end of a name isn’t enough to make it unique.

Use of restricted words without approval

Words like Investment or Insurance require official approval and supporting documents.

Misleading names

Names that imply certain qualifications, affiliations, or capabilities that the company doesn’t actually have.

Spelling or formatting errors

Using lowercase letters, special symbols, or incorrect spacing can lead to rejection.

4. Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

To increase the likelihood of your name being approved, consider the following strategies

a Do Your Research First

Before submitting your application, use ACRA’s company name search tool to check for similar or duplicate names.

b Add Unique Elements

Incorporate creative or uncommon words. For example, EcoSphere Innovations Pte Ltd is more likely to pass than Eco Innovations Pte Ltd.

c Avoid Overused Combinations

Names like Global Tech Solutions Pte Ltd may sound professional, but their common words make them prone to rejection due to duplication.

d Prepare Alternative Names

Submitting multiple alternative names can save time if your first choice is rejected. This allows for a quick switch without delays.

5. Recent News and Trends

According to ACRA’s 2025 year-end report, the number of new company registrations in Singapore continues to grow, especially in the tech, green energy, and digital services sectors.

With the rise in startup activity, ACRA has tightened its scrutiny of company names - especially those containing words like green, sustainable, or eco. These terms are now more closely reviewed to prevent misleading marketing.

For example, names like GreenTech Solutions or Sustainable Innovations may require additional documentation to prove the company's actual involvement in environmentally friendly practices. This reflects Singapore’s effort to support green growth while maintaining strong market regulation.

6. Company Name vs. Brand Name

Many entrepreneurs confuse the registered company name with the brand name. In reality, the registered name is the legal identity of the business, while the brand name is used for marketing and product identification.

They can be the same or different. For instance, a company legally registered as BrightWave Technologies Pte Ltd might use BrightWave or BW Tech as its brand name.

If you plan to use your brand name commercially, it’s advisable to register it as a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore IPOS to protect it legally.

7. Conclusion

Singapore is a globally recognized business hub with a transparent and efficient company registration system - but it also has strict rules around company names.

Understanding these rules helps you avoid delays, legal issues, and unnecessary rework. Choosing the right name from the start is a long-term investment in your brand.

Whether you're focused on legal compliance or market visibility, your company name deserves careful thought and planning. We hope this article has clarified the essentials of company name registration in Singapore and helped you move forward with confidence on your entrepreneurial journey.