Your company name is the foundation of your brand identity, but before you can use it, it must pass ACRA's checks. This guide walks you through the rules, the process, and the practical considerations that will save you time and headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Your proposed name must be available, non-offensive, and free of restricted words.
- Name reservation costs S$15 and is valid for 120 days via ACRA's BizFile+ portal. No extension is available.
- Names containing words like "Bank", "Finance", "Insurance", or "School" require approval from the relevant authority.
- An approved company name does not protect you from trademark infringement. Register your trademark separately.
- You can check name availability instantly on BizFile+ before paying the reservation fee.
ACRA's Naming Guidelines
All company names in Singapore must be approved by ACRA before incorporation can proceed. ACRA will reject a name application if:
- It is identical to an existing name: ACRA maintains a register of all business entities. Your proposed name cannot be the same as, or confusingly similar to, a name already on the register.
- It is undesirable or offensive: Names that are indecent, scandalous, or contrary to public interest will be rejected. This includes names that could cause offence on racial or religious grounds.
- It includes a restricted word: Certain words require prior approval from the relevant government body before ACRA will accept the name. See the full list below.
- It is misleading about the business: A name that falsely implies a connection with the Singapore government, a royal family, or a well-known international body will not be approved.
Restricted and Regulated Words
Certain words in a company name require approval from a specific government body before ACRA will process the registration. Common examples include:
| Restricted Word | Approving Authority |
|---|---|
| Bank, Finance, Financial | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
| Insurance, Assurance | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
| Media, Broadcasting | Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) |
| School, Academy, Education | Ministry of Education (MOE) |
| Law, Legal, Advocate | Ministry of Law |
| Temasek, Singapore | Ministry of Finance or relevant ministry |
| Charity, Foundation | Commissioner of Charities |
This is not an exhaustive list. If your proposed name includes any regulated term, seek approval from the relevant authority before submitting your ACRA application.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Strong Name
Keep it short and memorable
Names with 1 to 3 words are easier to remember, spell, and use in marketing. Avoid overly long or hyphenated names that are difficult to type or recall.
Check domain and social media availability
Before reserving your name with ACRA, search for the .com or .com.sg domain and social media handles. A matching domain and social presence make it easier to build your brand online.
Avoid names too similar to established brands
Even if ACRA approves your name, you could face legal action from a brand owner if your name is confusingly similar to their trademark. Search the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) trademark registry before committing to a name.
Consider your long-term business scope
A name that is too specific (e.g., "Singapore Bakery Supplies Pte Ltd") may limit your brand as you expand into new areas. A broader, more neutral name gives you room to grow.
Avoid numbers and special characters where possible
Names with numerals (e.g., "3D Solutions") can create confusion about whether to spell the number out. Special characters other than hyphens and certain symbols are generally not permitted.
Checking Availability and Reserving Your Name
The name reservation process is straightforward and done entirely online:
Search on BizFile+
Visit ACRA's BizFile+ portal and use the free name search to check whether your proposed name is available. The search checks against all registered companies, businesses, and reserved names in Singapore.
Submit the name reservation
Once you are satisfied with your choice, pay the S$15 reservation fee to hold the name for 120 days. No extension is available: if you do not proceed to incorporation within this period, you will need to re-apply.
Await ACRA's review
Most standard name applications are processed instantly or within 1 working day. Applications involving restricted words may take longer as ACRA awaits approval from the relevant authority.
Proceed to incorporation
Once your name is approved and reserved, you can proceed with the company incorporation application within the reservation period.
Company Name vs Trademark: An Important Distinction
Registering a company name with ACRA does not give you exclusive rights to use that name commercially. Another business could potentially register the same word as a trademark and prevent you from using it.
If your brand name is central to your business, consider filing a trademark application with IPOS (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore) after incorporation. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use the mark in your registered classes of goods and services for 10 years (renewable).
Changing Your Company Name After Incorporation
It is possible to change your company name after incorporation. The change requires a special resolution passed by shareholders and must be filed with ACRA within 14 days. ACRA charges S$15 for the change, and the new name is subject to the same availability and approval checks.
Keep in mind that a name change has practical implications: your bank accounts, contracts, letterheads, and digital presence all need to be updated.
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