Do You Really Know How to Name a Company in Singapore? Must-Know Tips Inside!

Lately, a friend of mine was planning to expand their business in Southeast Asia - and the first thing they thought of? Registering a company in Singapore. When I asked why, they said “Fast procedures, stable policies, and high international recognition.” And honestly, that’s no exaggeration.

In recent years, as global startup enthusiasm has grown - combined with the rise of remote work and easier cross-border trade - more and more small business owners and freelancers are turning their eyes toward Singapore a tiny island nation with an outsized impact. And for many, the journey begins with one simple step choosing a company name.

You might think naming a company is just about coming up with something catchy and memorable. But in Singapore, it's not quite that straightforward. A careless choice could get your application rejected by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, causing delays and throwing off your entire timeline.

So what exactly should you know about naming a company in Singapore? Let’s break it down - no fluff, just practical insights.

First off, all company registrations in Singapore are managed by ACRA. Every proposed name must go through its system and meet strict approval criteria. That means you can’t just slap together two random English words and hit submit. ACRA has clear rules, built around three core principles

- The name must not mislead the public.

- It must not infringe on existing trademarks.

- And it can’t include restricted or sensitive terms.

For example, if you're launching a fintech startup and propose “Singapore National Bank Ltd.” - sorry, but that’s almost certainly getting rejected. Why? Words like “National” or “Bank” are regulated and require special permission from relevant authorities. The same goes for terms like “Royal,” “Government,” or “Temasek” - anything that suggests official state affiliation is off-limits unless approved.

What about “Apple Tech Solutions Pte. Ltd.”? Sounds cool, right? But if Apple Inc. already holds a similar trademark in Singapore, even if ACRA doesn’t actively check trademark databases, they’ll still flag potential risks. You’re expected to do your own due diligence. If someone files a complaint later, you could be forced to rebrand - or worse, end up in legal trouble.

Smart move? Do your homework before submitting. Head over to ACRA’s free BizFile+ portal, type in your desired name, and instantly see whether it’s available. The whole process takes minutes and could save you weeks of headache.

Quick side note Most Singaporean companies end with “Pte. Ltd.” - short for Private Limited - which indicates a privately held limited liability company. It’s by far the most common structure for startups and SMEs.

Beyond avoiding red flags, there are also smart naming strategies. Many entrepreneurs include industry keywords like “Edu,” “Health,” or “Logistics” so the business purpose is immediately clear. Others aim for distinctiveness - combining founder names, geographic references, or meaningful words like “SunRise Ventures” or “NextEdge Asia.” These names feel modern, global, and help build brand identity faster.

Interestingly, as Chinese language and culture gain influence worldwide, many Chinese entrepreneurs want to reflect that in their company names. While ACRA only officially registers English names, businesses can register a corresponding Chinese name afterward for local use - handy for marketing, contracts, and connecting with Chinese-speaking clients. For instance, “Stellar Horizon Technology Pte. Ltd.” might have the Chinese name “.” Though this version isn’t legally binding, it adds warmth and credibility, especially when dealing with mainland customers.

On the trend front, 2025 has seen a fresh wave of entrepreneurship in Singapore. Reports show over 15,000 new companies registered in the first quarter alone - many from China, India, and Western countries. Sectors like e-commerce, AI, green energy, and digital services are booming. And the naming styles reflect that shift sleek, minimalist, and future-focused. Think short forms, blended words, or even invented ones - “Nexaflow,” “Klyra,” “Vantaq.” They sound tech-forward, easy to trademark, and perfect for grabbing domains and social handles.

Of course, let’s be real - a great name won’t carry a failing business. What really matters is the business model, team strength, and market execution. But a strong name? That’s your first impression. It’s like a business card handed to the world before you’ve even spoken a word. In today’s competitive global arena, a compliant yet compelling name might just be the first brick that paves the way to opportunity.

One last tip If you’re doing this for the first time, consider hiring a licensed corporate secretary in Singapore. They know the ins and outs, help you dodge common pitfalls, and boost your chances of getting approved on the first try. Remember, it’s not just about saving time - it’s about reducing costly mistakes.

At the end of the day, picking a company name may seem like a small detail. But in reality, it’s anything but. It’s not just a label - it’s the starting point of your brand story. And in a place like Singapore - where efficiency, rules, and professionalism go hand in hand - getting the little things right from the start sets the tone for everything that follows.