Choosing the right company name is one of the first and most important steps when incorporating a business in Singapore. A well-chosen name reflects your brand identity and must also comply with the statutory requirements set by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
A clear understanding of Singapore’s company naming rules can save time, prevent rejection, and help you create a professional brand image from day one. This article explains the key rules for naming and reserving a company name in Singapore, including suffix requirements, the reservation process, and special considerations for restricted words and name approvals.
General Naming Rules
When proposing a company name in Singapore, it must comply with several legal and regulatory standards:
- Uniqueness – The proposed name must not be identical to or too similar to an existing entity registered with ACRA.
- Acceptability – It must not contain vulgar, obscene, or offensive words.
- Non-misleading – The name cannot suggest a connection with government bodies, statutory boards, or public institutions unless official approval is obtained.
- Language – English is typically used, but names in other languages are acceptable if expressed in Roman characters.
- Trademark consideration – ACRA’s approval does not grant trademark rights; you must register separately with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for trademark protection.
Company Name Suffix Requirements
The suffix of a company name indicates its legal structure and is mandatory in Singapore. Depending on the entity type, the name must end with one of the following:
| Entity Type | Required Suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | “Pte. Ltd.” or “Private Limited” | ABC Consulting Pte. Ltd. |
| Public limited company | “Ltd.” or “Limited” | Asia Energy Ltd. |
| Limited liability partnership | “LLP” | Bright Solutions LLP |
| Limited partnership | “LP” | Horizon Capital LP |
| Sole proprietorship or partnership | No suffix required | Sunrise Trading |
Tip: For most small and medium-sized enterprises in Singapore, the “Pte. Ltd.” structure is the standard choice, offering limited liability and professional credibility.
Name Reservation Process
All new names must be submitted for approval via BizFile+, ACRA’s online filing system.
The process generally includes:
- Check availability – Use the name search tool on BizFile+ to verify if your proposed name is available.
- Submit for reservation – The application fee is S$15 per name.
- Approval and validity – Approved names are reserved for 120 days. The company must be incorporated within this period, or the reservation will lapse.
- Referral process – If the name contains controlled words (e.g. “bank”, “school”, “insurance”), ACRA will refer the application to the relevant government agency. Processing may take 14 to 60 days.
- Activity declaration – You must declare your company’s intended business activities using the SSIC (Singapore Standard Industrial Classification) code.
Words That Require Referral or Are Prohibited
Certain words or phrases are considered sensitive and require additional approval before use. Examples include:
- “Bank”, “Finance”, “Fund” – referred to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- “School”, “Education” – referred to the Ministry of Education (MOE).
- “Insurance”, “Assurance” – referred to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- “Media”, “Broadcasting” – may be referred to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Names that are misleading, offensive, or imply unlawful activity will be rejected outright. Likewise, names suggesting government affiliation (e.g. “Singapore Government”, “Temasek Holdings”) are not permitted unless official consent is granted.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
To improve your chances of smooth approval:
- Prepare two or three backup names in case your preferred name is unavailable.
- Avoid overly generic terms like “International”, “Asia”, “Group”, or “Holdings” as the main differentiator.
- Register related domain names (.com, .sg, etc.) and trademarks early to secure your brand identity.
- Complete incorporation promptly after name approval to prevent expiration of the reservation.
- For bilingual branding, ensure your English and Chinese names convey consistent meaning and tone.
- Display your company name and UEN (Unique Entity Number) on all official documents, invoices, and correspondence as required by the Companies Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can foreigners reserve a company name in Singapore?
Yes. Foreign individuals or entities can reserve names via BizFile+, typically through a registered filing agent or corporate service provider.
Q2: What happens if the proposed name is rejected?
You may revise and resubmit your application or file an appeal. Avoid restricted or sensitive words unless your business activities clearly justify them.
Q3: Does reserving a name grant trademark rights?
No. Reservation only prevents others from registering the same name within 120 days. To secure intellectual property rights, you must register your trademark with IPOS.
Q4: What if my name includes regulated terms such as “School” or “Finance”?
ACRA will automatically refer your application to the relevant authority for review. The process may take several weeks, depending on the complexity and required documentation.
Q5: What happens if I don’t incorporate within 120 days?
The reservation will expire, and the name becomes available to others. You will need to reapply and pay a new S$15 fee.
Choosing and reserving a company name in Singapore may seem straightforward, but the process requires careful attention to detail. ACRA’s naming rules are designed to ensure that all registered entities maintain clarity, professionalism, and compliance with local regulations.
By taking the time to understand suffix requirements, restricted terms, and the approval process, entrepreneurs can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth incorporation experience. A well-selected company name does more than meet legal obligations — it communicates credibility, builds trust, and lays the foundation for long-term business success in Singapore’s competitive market.