Key Takeaways
- A Singapore company can change its name by reserving the proposed new name through ACRA’s Bizfile, passing a special resolution, filing the notice of resolution, and updating the entity name.
- ACRA may reject names that are identical, undesirable, offensive, too similar to government bodies, or protected by legislation.
- Certain names or business activities may be referred to other government agencies. ACRA’s current referral guidance states that referred name applications may take up to 15 working days for review.
- Registering a company name with ACRA does not give trademark rights or automatic rights to a matching domain name.
How do you change a company name in Singapore?
To change a company name in Singapore, first apply through ACRA’s Bizfile to reserve the proposed new business entity name. Once the name reservation application is approved, the company is to pass a special resolution approving the name change, file the notice of resolution, and update the entity name in Bizfile using the name application transaction number.
As a new business owner, did you know that the company secretary is crucial for initiating the process of how to change company name in Singapore? Your company name is an important asset of your business. It gives your brand a clear definition and sets your business apart from competitors.
However, if it is not helping you in achieving these objectives or if you have made the decision to steer your company in a different direction, it might be time to come up with a new name for your company.
If you are ready to chart a different course for your business, read this comprehensive guide that walks you through the process of how to change your company name in Singapore, along with other important aspects.
5 Reasons Why You Might Change Your Company Name
There are numerous reasons why business owners might consider undergoing the process of how to change company name in Singapore. It might be to help with better branding, to reflect a merger or acquisition, or simply to work with a new name after outgrowing their old one.
Here are some reasons why some businesses undergo the process of changing their company name in Singapore.
1. Legal Requirement
A business may receive a notice from another company asking them to change their name. The renaming process can then be initiated while making sure they do not find themselves in the same situation.
Before learning how to change company name in Singapore, make sure the new name you choose is not already in use by checking all common law usages, competitor product names, social media handles, and domain names.
2. Geographic Reference
A company may launch in a specific city with a particular service and select a name for its business that references the city. However, it is possible that business will soon expand and add more facilities and services.
Some companies that expand their operations choose to undergo the process of changing their company name in Singapore to better reflect their presence in new target markets or geographic regions.
3. Merger or Acquisition
Businesses that have been affected by a merger or acquisition may also want to consider learning how to change company name in Singapore. Renaming a merged or acquired company may be the best course of action if the name does not fit the new company’s direction or purpose.
For instance, Accenture was formerly a part of Arthur Anderson. Eventually, the division broke apart from the original brand and decided to define Accenture as a play on the phrase “Accent on the Future” to reflect its new identity.
4. Outdated Name
Some companies may simply outgrow their original name and choose to undergo the process of changing their company name in Singapore to better align with modern trends and evolving business directions. For example, Apple was originally known as Apple Computer when it was first established.
Steve Jobs declared in 2007 that the word “Computers” would be removed from the company’s official name. This straightforward adjustment freed the brand from reliance on a specific item. It allowed the business to start selling a variety of consumer electronics.
5. Brand Reputation
Damage to a company’s reputation may also prompt the need for a company name change. For example, if a business becomes associated with a negative incident, rebranding may help it move forward and rebuild public trust.
In such cases, learning how to change a company name in Singapore can help your business distance itself from any lingering stigma. By adopting a new name, a company can better distinguish itself from past issues that may have harmed its reputation.
How To Choose an Appropriate New Name for Your Company
Before you get started on the process of learning how to change company name in Singapore, here are some things you should avoid doing while selecting the new name for your company, in order to ensure compliance with the Singapore Companies Act:
- Avoid names identical to an existing business or reserved name.
- Avoid names that are vulgar, obscene, offensive, or otherwise undesirable.
- Avoid names similar to government bodies or names protected by legislation, such as “Temasek”.
- Check whether the proposed name or business activity may require approval from a referral authority, such as MOE, MAS, CEA, MinLaw, SFA, STB, SSG, or another relevant agency.
ACRA may consider whether a proposed company name is obscene when determining if it is undesirable. In addition, the authority will assess whether the name could offend any segment of the local Singaporean community, a friendly nation, or any religion.
Finally, ACRA will assess whether the proposed company name violates any laws or public policy considerations. For example, if a company name is too similar to that of a government entity, it may be deemed undesirable and rejected.
Additionally, you are expected to do your own research and refrain from selecting company names that are identical to those that have already been registered with and approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Once you have chosen a name for your business or organization, you are expected to use BizFile to check if the company name has already been filed. A registered name by an existing entity cannot be the same as the proposed name.
To do this, simply enter the proposed company name in the search box. If the company has already been registered, try thinking of other names or wording to set your proposed name apart from the registered company.
Practical Name-Selection Checklist
Before submitting the name application, businesses should consider the following:
| Check | Why It Matters |
| ACRA name availability | Confirms whether an identical or reserved name already exists |
| Trademark search | Reduces the risk of brand or IP disputes |
| Domain and social media availability | Supports consistent branding after the name change |
| Referral authority review | Helps anticipate additional approval time |
| Customer and contract impact | Identifies documents, invoices, contracts, and licences that may need updates |
How To Change Company Name in Singapore: ACRA Application Process
ACRA’s current Bizfile guidance separates the name change into two main filings: first, apply for a new business entity name for name change by an existing entity; after the name reservation application is approved, update the entity name by entering the transaction number from the name application and uploading the special resolution authorising the name change in PDF format.
Step 1: Apply for the Proposed New Business Entity Name
The first step is to log in to Bizfile with Corppass and open the “Apply for new business entity name” eService. Under “Application type”, select “Application for reservation of a business name to change an existing entity’s name, to convert company type for a local company or amalgamate local companies”.
The fee to apply for a new business entity name is S$15.
If the proposed name requires review by another government agency, the application may be referred. ACRA’s referral authority guidance states that such review may take up to 15 working days.
Step 2: Prepare and Pass a Special Resolution for the Change of Company Name
After the name reservation application is approved, the company is to prepare and pass a special resolution approving the change of company name.
The procedures for passing such a special resolution are as follows:
- Prepare documents to rename the business, including the special resolution.
- Present the resolution to shareholders in accordance with the company’s constitution and the Companies Act 1967.
- The resolution for a name change must be approved by shareholders holding at least 75% of the voting rights of those voting on the resolution.
- Keep the signed resolution as part of the company’s statutory records.
Step 3: Update the Entity Name in Bizfile
To complete the name change, update the entity name in Bizfile. ACRA’s current guidance states that the filer should select “Update entity name”, enter the transaction number from the business name application, and upload the special resolution that authorised the name change in PDF format.
After the application has been submitted to ACRA, your company name change may be updated if there are no outstanding referrals or issues.
An approval notification will be sent through Bizfile. You may search for your company’s name online to see if it has been updated.
What To Update After ACRA Approves the New Name
After ACRA approves the company name change, the company should update practical records and counterparties, including:
- Corporate bank accounts
- Contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and letterheads
- Accounting records and tax records
- Business licences and permits, if applicable
- Employment documents and payroll records
- Website, email signatures, social media accounts, and domain records
- Customer, vendor, and investor communications
This helps avoid confusion where the legal entity remains the same but operates under a new registered name.
Responsibilities Of the Company Secretary in The Name Change Process
In Singapore, the company secretary is an essential link between the board and the shareholders. Additionally, they serve as the directors’ legal and administrative advisors for the company’s business activity.
The secretary also makes sure the business abides by the laws and corporate policies set forth by the Companies Act.
Your company secretary can assist you in the process of how to change company name in Singapore. Specifically, your company secretary can assist in passing a special resolution to authorize the change.
Before submitting the application for ACRA’s approval of the company name change, your secretary can:
- Prepare a written resolution to approve the company’s name change.
- Conduct a general meeting about the name change.
- Announce the date of the general meeting to all shareholders.
- Share the meeting’s agenda with everyone, specifically the resolution to authorize the company name change.
- File the resolution and assist with updating the entity name in Bizfile after the name reservation application has been approved.
Thereafter, the company secretary can also help with the remaining steps of the process until the final approval from ACRA.
How We Can Help – Our Company Secretarial Services
Still unsure of handling the process of how to change company name in Singapore on your own? Premia TNC can assist you in carrying it out legally and correctly. We will help to prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure the entire name change procedure is completed quickly and easily.
If you are looking to incorporate a new business, Premia TNC will instantly take care of the work of approving the company name. You simply need to let us know the company name you want.
As a reputable provider of corporate services, we can also help with providing the services of a proficient company secretary who will assist your business in adhering to all regulations and corporate regulations. We manage a variety of company secretarial duties and services, including:
- Submitting company registrations
- Assisting with opening of corporate bank accounts
- Updating of corporate documents
- Preparing of AGM documents and filing of annual reports
- Preparing paperwork for modifications to the company structure, officers’ information, and lodging with the local registrar
Interested in hiring our team of experts? Learn more about our extensive offering of corporate secretarial services or get in touch with us to schedule a FREE consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my company name after registering a company in Singapore?
Yes. You are allowed to change the name of the company after registering a business in Singapore. The company should apply for the proposed new name through ACRA’s Bizfile, pass a special resolution, file the resolution, and update the entity name.
2. After changing my company name, what are the things that I am required to take note of?
After submitting a change of company name request through ACRA, it will automatically be reflected in ACRA’s records once approved. However, you must also update your corporate bank accounts and other business records. The bank may ask for supporting documents and relevant bank forms before proceeding. These requirements may vary from bank to bank.
3. Are there other additional approvals for change of company name applications?
Yes. Some name applications may be referred to other agencies depending on the proposed name. For example, ACRA’s referral authority guidance includes categories involving real estate agencies, education-related names, legal services, financial services, food-related activities, tourism-related names, and other regulated sectors.
4. Is registering a new company name the same as registering a trademark?
No. A company name registration with ACRA is not the same as a trademark registration. ACRA states that business name registration does not give exclusive rights to the name and does not provide intellectual property protection. Trademark registration is separate and provides exclusive rights to use the registered mark.
5. Do I get rights to a matching domain name after I register my new company name to ACRA?
No. You do not acquire ownership rights to a related domain name by registering a company name with ACRA. Website addresses are generally registered on a first-come, first-served basis. You can contact registrars recognized by the Singapore Network Information Centre if you want to obtain a domain name ending with “.sg” or “.com.sg”.
