Starting a business in Singapore involves several crucial steps, and one of the most important among them is choosing the right company name. This process, known as a company name check, ensures that your chosen name is unique, meaningful, and compliant with Singapore’s business regulations. In this article, we will dive into the details behind a Singapore company name check and uncover the process of conducting a company name check in Singapore, with valuable insights to help you select a name that not only resonates with your brand identity but also meets the regulatory requirements.
Singapore company name check: The requirements
In Singapore, the process of registering a company name is governed by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA has set forth guidelines that businesses must adhere to when selecting a name. Despite this, ACRA may reject your proposed company name even if it has not been registered before, due to factors such as the use of prohibited words or misleading elements. Here are the requirements that will come in handy to stay on the right side of the requirements for a Singapore company name check:
Ensuring uniqueness:
The proposed name must be distinctive and not too similar to existing companies’ names.
The use of appropriate language:
The name should not contain any vulgar or offensive language, nor should it suggest any illegal activities or unethical practices. Certain words are reserved for government bodies or statutory boards and cannot be used by private companies (e.g., “SkillsFuture). Other disallowed words may be specific to certain business activities (e.g., “National” and “Singapore” are generally disallowed for establishments offering academic education).
Accuracy in naming:
The company name should accurately represent your business’s nature or scope. For example, if your company is named “ABC Expert Law Consultant” but does not have qualified lawyers or consultants, the name could lead to misunderstandings and distrust among customers.
Suffixes:
Depending on the legal status of your company, an appropriate suffix may be required. For instance, a private limited company must end its name with “Private Limited,” while a public limited company must end its name with “Limited.”
Obtaining approval from ACRA:
After selecting a company name, it must be approved by ACRA before the business can be registered. This process typically takes only one working day.
Additional approval for regulated names:
If your company wishes to include regulated words in its name, it must receive additional approval from the relevant authorities, which can take between 14 to 60 days.
By conducting a thorough name check and considering the legal and cultural implications of the name, businesses can ensure that their chosen name will help establish a strong brand identity and attract customers.
Singapore company name check: The steps to a name check and registration
ACRA has established a detailed set of rules and guidelines for the company name search process to ensure that company names are unique, appropriate, and meet all legal requirements.
1. Choosing a name for your business
Head over to the ACRA website and verify that your proposed company name is not listed as prohibited in the ‘Choosing a company name’ section, as per the law. Certain names are not eligible for registration. Refer to the requirements section above for clarification.
2. Run a search for names that are available
To initiate an ACRA company name search, simply enter your proposed business name into the search bar located at the top of the BizFile+ portal and click on “Search.”
If the name is already registered, you will need to come up with alternative options. It is good practice to have at least three to five unique and catchy alternative names ready in advance.
3. Reserving the name
To secure your chosen company name, you will need to submit an online name reservation application via the BizFile+ portal for a fee of $15. Once your application is approved, ACRA will hold the name for a period of 120 days. During this time, you are expected to complete the company registration process.
4. Using the reserved name, register the business
Registering a company in Singapore involves submitting the required documents and paying the necessary fees to ACRA. These documents usually include the company’s constitution, details of the directors and shareholders, and the registered office address.
Once submitted, ACRA will review the application. If all requirements are satisfied, ACRA will send a notice of incorporation via email. issue aA certificate of incorporation may also be purchased if required. This certificate serves as confirmation that the company has been legally registered and is authorized to operate in Singapore.
5. Obtain any licenses and permits that may be required
Depending on the type of business, you may need to secure additional licenses and permits before you can start operations. It is important to conduct thorough research and apply for any necessary documents from the appropriate authorities.
A simple example would be that retail businesses that sell items like alcohol, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals must secure the required licenses and permits from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
6. Register any trademarks you may have
To secure a trademark for your company in Singapore, you need to submit an application to the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). Upon successful application, your company will be granted a certificate of registration.
However, it is crucial to understand that the protection of your trademark will not be automatic. It requires active maintenance. This means you need to periodically renew your registration and be vigilant about any potential infringement or unauthorized usage of your trademark.
Singapore company name check: The consequences of not complying with the naming regulations
If a Singapore company’s name breaches regulations, ACRA may reject its registration or demand a name change. This could delay business setup and potentially lead to legal issues with third parties over intellectual property rights. The company could also face reputational damage and business losses due to rebranding. ACRA stresses the importance of thorough trademark research to avoid such issues.
How Premia TNC can assist you
At Premia TNC, we understand that starting a business in Singapore involves a series of legal requirements.
Company registration:
We will guide you through the process of registering your business with ACRA, which is a mandatory step to operating a business in Singapore.
Name application:
We will help you choose a unique company name and submit a name application via ACRA’s online business registration and filing portal, ensuring that your proposed company name is not identical to an existing name or contains prohibited and undesirable words.
Business activity specification:
When submitting a name application, we will assist you in specifying the activities of your business by selecting the most relevant Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.
Company incorporation:
Once your application is approved, we will help you incorporate your company. Remember, you must complete your incorporation within 120 days from the date of the name approval.
Let Premia TNC be your trusted partner in setting up your business in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check if my proposed company name is available in Singapore?
You can submit afill in the name application via ACRA’s online business registration and filing portal. The system will check if the proposed name is identical to an existing name.
2. What are the restrictions on company names in Singapore?
Your proposed company name cannot be identical to an existing name or contain prohibited and undesirable words as per ACRA’s guidelines.
