How To Select Your Ideal Company Name
Your company name is the first thing ACRA checks, the first thing a bank sees, and the first impression you make on clients. Restricted words, existing names and trademark conflicts are the three reasons applications get rejected.
How to Choose a Company Name in Singapore
Your company name must be unique on the ACRA register, free of restricted words, and not offensive or misleading. Submit a name application via Bizfile for S$15 — approval takes as little as one hour. Once approved, the name is reserved for 120 days.
S$15 ACRA name application fee (non-refundable). Pay again if name is rejected.
1 hour for straightforward names. 2-4 weeks if restricted words need pre-approval.
Approved name reserved for 120 days. Incorporate within this window or the name expires.
- Your company name must be unique on ACRA's register — phonetic similarity counts as identical
- Restricted words like "Bank", "Finance", "Medical" need MAS/MOE/MOH pre-approval before submission
- ACRA does NOT check trademarks — your approved name can still infringe someone else's IP
- ACRA approval does NOT secure your domain name — register .com and .sg immediately after approval
- Foreign founders cannot apply without a Singpass — you must use a Corporate Service Provider
Fast Facts
Knowing how to choose a company name in Singapore is the first practical decision every founder makes before incorporation in Singapore. The name must pass ACRA's availability check, comply with naming rules under the Companies Act 2016, and reserve the right business identity before someone else does. Get it right and your brand has a strong foundation from day one — get it wrong and you face rejection, delays, or a costly rebrand after launch.
ACRA's Naming Rules — What Your Company Name Must Satisfy
What are the 4 criteria ACRA checks for a company name?
Every name application is assessed against four criteria. Fail any one and ACRA rejects it — no refund on the S$15 fee.
The name must not be identical or confusingly similar to any existing entity on the ACRA register. This includes phonetic similarity — "Tomoorrow" will be rejected if "Tomorrow" is already registered.
Certain words require prior approval from a specific regulatory authority before ACRA will accept the name. The most common restricted words are listed in the table below.
Names that are obscene, racially insensitive, religiously offensive, or misleading about the nature of the business will be rejected. There is no grey area — ACRA will decline without appeal.
If another company has reserved the same name within its 120-day window, you cannot use it until the reservation lapses. Check availability on Bizfile before investing time in branding.
Disregarded Words — What ACRA Ignores When Checking Name Similarity
What words does ACRA ignore when checking name similarity?
ACRA explicitly disregards certain words when comparing names. Founders often get rejected because they think "The Morning Caffeine Pte Ltd" is different from "Morning Caffeine Pte Ltd" — but ACRA sees them as identical.
| Disregarded Words | Examples |
|---|---|
| "The" (at start) | The Morning Caffeine Pte Ltd |
| Geographical words (Asia, Singapore, Worldwide, etc.) | Morning Caffeine Asia Pte Ltd |
| Business descriptors (Company, Group, Holdings, International, Trading, etc.) | Morning Caffeine International Pte Ltd |
| Entity type variants (Pte, Ltd, LLP, Sdn Bhd, etc.) | Morning Caffeine LLP |
| Domain suffixes (.com, .sg, .org, etc.) | Morning Caffeine .com |
What ACRA Does NOT Check (And Why This Matters)
Does ACRA check for trademark conflicts when approving a company name?
No. ACRA only checks its own register for identical or similar business names. It does not cross-check the IPOS trademark database. A name can be approved by ACRA and still infringe an existing trademark — which creates a separate legal risk entirely.
ACRA approval is not permanent. If someone complains your name is too similar within 12 months of registration, ACRA can force you to change it.
Restricted Words — Which Words Require Pre-Approval
What words are not allowed in a Singapore company name?
ACRA will reject names that are identical to existing entities, phonetically similar to existing names, offensive or misleading, or that contain restricted words without regulatory pre-approval. Restricted words include Bank, Insurance, School, University, Medical, Hospital, Trust, Law, National, Singapore, Royal, and Chartered.
| Restricted Word | Approval Authority | What They Assess |
|---|---|---|
| Bank, Finance, Financial | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) | Whether the business is a licensed financial institution |
| Insurance | MAS | Whether the entity holds an insurance licence |
| School, University, College, Institute | Ministry of Education (MOE) | Whether the entity is a registered educational institution |
| Medical, Hospital, Clinic | Ministry of Health (MOH) | Whether the entity is a licensed healthcare provider |
| Law, Legal, Solicitors | Ministry of Law (MinLaw) | Whether the entity is a licensed law practice |
| National, Singapore | ACRA / relevant ministry | Whether use is appropriate and non-misleading |
| Royal, Chartered | ACRA | Assessed case-by-case; rarely approved for private companies |
| Trust | MAS | Whether entity is a licensed trust company |
Exact ACRA Processing Timelines
How long does ACRA take to approve a company name?
For straightforward names with no restricted words and no similarity issues, ACRA typically approves within one hour of submission via Bizfile. Names that include restricted words require regulatory pre-approval (which can take 2–4 weeks), and names that closely resemble existing brands may be referred for manual review, adding 2–14 working days.
| Scenario | ACRA Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Most straightforward names | Approved soon after payment |
| ACRA manual review | Up to 3 working days |
| Referral to other authority | Up to 15 working days |
| Complex cases | ACRA will inform you if more time is needed |
How to Check Name Availability Before You Apply
How do I check if a company name is available in Singapore?
Search the ACRA Bizfile portal at bizfile.gov.sg. Enter your proposed name and check for identical and phonetically similar matches. You should also check domain availability and the IPOS trademark database separately — ACRA only checks against its own register of registered entities and active reservations.
Search ACRA's live register at bizfile.gov.sg. Results show registered entities and active reservations. Check exact spelling and phonetically similar variations before applying.
Check .com and .sg availability simultaneously. A company named "Pinnacle Solutions" without a matching domain will fragment your brand. Secure the domain immediately after ACRA approval.
ACRA does not check for trademark conflicts — only for identical registered names. Search the IPOS trademark database separately. A registered business name can still infringe an existing trademark.
Check LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for the exact name and close variants. Brand consistency across platforms matters for SEO and client credibility.
What to Do If Your Name Is Rejected — Name Review Request
What is a Name Review Request?
If your name is rejected, you can submit a name review request via Bizfile. You'll need to provide justification for why you should be allowed to use the name despite it being identical or similar to an existing entity. The review takes 2–14 working days. Success rate is low without professional assistance.
- Written justification — explain why your name should be approved despite the similarity
- Evidence of business distinction — different industry, product, or geography
- Letters of consent from the existing entity (if applicable)
- Supporting documents: business descriptions, marketing materials, domain registrations
Why Founders File Through Terra Advisory
As an ACRA-Registered Filing Agent (FA20122913), we handle the entire name application process on your behalf.
Foreign Founders — We File on Your Behalf
Can foreign founders apply for a company name in Singapore?
Yes, but ACRA requires all foreigners to engage a Corporate Service Provider (CSP) to submit a name application. You cannot submit on BizFile independently without Singpass. Terra Advisory is an ACRA Registered Filing Agent (FA20122913) and files on your behalf.
Domain Name Registration — ACRA Does Not Secure It
Does ACRA secure my domain name when I register a company?
No. ACRA explicitly states that registering a business name does not give you rights to a matching website address. Domains are first-come, first-served. Register your .com and .sg domains immediately after ACRA approval through an SGNIC-approved registrar.
Licences and Approvals — Your Business May Need More
ACRA notes that certain business activities require licences or approvals beyond name registration.
Passing Off Risk — ACRA Approval Does Not Protect You
ACRA allows similar-but-not-identical names, but that doesn't mean using one is risk-free. Established brands can sue for "passing off" if your name causes customer confusion.
Trading Name vs Legal Name — You Can Trade Under a Different Name
Your legal name and trading name can be different. You don't need to file your trading name with ACRA.
What Makes a Good Company Name — Practical Criteria
What makes a good company name commercially?
Beyond compliance, your name needs to work commercially. It should be easy to spell and pronounce, not geographically limiting, not activity-limiting, distinct from competitors, short and clean, and work as an acronym if applicable.
- Easy to spell and pronounce: If a potential client cannot spell your name after hearing it once, they cannot find you online.
- Not geographically limiting: "West Singapore IT Services" creates a rebrand problem the moment you expand.
- Not activity-limiting: "Singapore Bike Rental Pte. Ltd." makes diversification harder.
- Distinct from competitors: If it resembles any of them, clients will confuse the two.
- Short and clean: Three words maximum in the core brand name.
- Works as an acronym (if applicable): Check that the acronym has no negative associations.
The Name Application Process — Step by Step
The ACRA name application is a separate step from incorporation. Most founders do both in sequence through Bizfile.
- Search Bizfile for your proposed name — check exact and phonetic matches
- Check domain and social media availability for the same name
- If the name includes a restricted word, obtain regulatory pre-approval first
- Submit the name application via Bizfile — fee: S$15 (2026)
- Receive ACRA approval — typically within 1 hour for straightforward names, longer if ACRA refers it for review
- Name is reserved for 120 days — secure domain and social handles immediately
- Proceed to full Singapore incorporation within the 120-day window
After Approval — What to Do Before You Incorporate
What should I do immediately after ACRA approves my company name?
You have 120 days. Use the first 48 hours to lock down your brand before moving to incorporation documents.
Once ACRA approves your name, two parallel tracks begin: brand lockdown and document preparation for incorporation. Both need to move quickly — the 120-day clock does not pause.
Brand lockdown (do immediately): Register the .com and .sg domains. Secure the LinkedIn company page and any social handles you need. Register the trademark with IPOS if the brand will carry long-term value — trademark registration is separate from and not automatic with ACRA registration.
Incorporation documents (start in parallel): Prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association, confirm your director and shareholder details, appoint a qualified company secretary, and arrange a registered address. If you need a nominee director, this is the point to engage one. Terra Advisory handles all of this as a single engagement.
SSIC 2025 Framework Active — Choose the Right Business Activity Code
What is the SSIC code and how do I choose the right one?
In May 2026, ACRA officially transitioned from SSIC 2020 to SSIC 2025. All new company name applications and incorporation filings must now use the updated SSIC 2025 classification codes.
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Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, tax, financial, or corporate advisory advice. While Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. endeavors to keep the content accurate and current, Singapore and Malaysian government policies, regulations, fees, and procedures change frequently and without prior notice. Readers should verify details directly with official government authorities (such as ACRA, MOM, SSM, and LHDN) before taking action. For advice tailored to your specific business circumstances, please contact Terra Advisory Services.
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