How to Change Your Company Name in Singapore

A company’s name can significantly shape its identity, yet there are times when a change becomes necessary. This may be to better align with the company’s evolution, adapt to market repositioning, or reflect a merger and acquisition activity.

When such a need arises, you can change your company name in Singapore by following a structured and compliant process.

Process of Changing Names for Local Companies in Singapore

The process of changing and registering a new Singapore company name involves several key steps:

1. Choose a new and appropriate company name

Selecting a new Singapore company name requires adherence to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s (ACRA) guidelines:

The new company name should not contain any language that could be considered inappropriate or offensive.
The new company name must be unique, avoiding similarities to existing entities or government bodies. To ensure availability, you can conduct a Singapore company name check via ACRA’s BizFile portal.
Avoid names protected or restricted under Singapore law. For example, “Temasek” cannot be registered, as it is legally reserved.

2. Submit a request for the company name approval to ACRA

Once you have decided on a new company name that meets all regulatory requirements, log onto BizFile using your SingPass. Here, you can apply for the name change through the “Apply for new business entity name” eService.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to change a company name in Singapore, there is a processing fee of S$15. However, this may still require in-principle approval from referral authorities depending on the name chosen.

3. Drafting and approving a special resolution for the name change

Once ACRA approves your proposed new company name, the next step is to pass a special resolution. Here’s how you do it:

Draft a written resolution proposing the company name change, which will serve as the special resolution.
Notify the company’s shareholders about the special resolution, giving them a 14-day written notice for the meeting where the resolution will be discussed. This notice period can be shortened if shareholders holding at least 95% of the voting rights agree.
Achieve approval for the resolution to change the company name with at least 75% agreement from shareholders with voting rights.

4. Finalising the change with ACRA

After the resolution is approved, a copy must be submitted to ACRA within 14 days of its passing. This is done by filing a “Notice of Resolution” through BizFile, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and the name change is officially recorded. This transaction is free of charge.

5. Confirmation of company name change

Once the proposed name is registered, ACRA issues a Notice of Incorporation with the company’s new name, effective from the issue date. In BizFile’s search directory, the updated company name will be displayed along with the previous name, indicated as “Formerly known as.” This dual listing ensures that the company remains recognisable and searchable under both the new and former names.

Steps for Changing Names for Foreign Companies in Singapore

On the other hand, you can navigate the name change process for foreign companies in Singapore by following these steps:

1. Initiate your company’s name change on BizFile

A name change for a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company established in Singapore is only allowed if the parent company or head office has also changed its name.

Similar to changing a company name in Singapore for local companies, first ensure that the new name is not already registered with any entity or government body by searching the BizFile database. Once the availability of the company name is confirmed, you can proceed with the application. This process requires a filing fee of S$15.

2. Filing the “notice of change” for the new company name

Once the application is approved, foreign companies must file a “Notice of Change of Company Name” via BizFile. This step formalises the new name in the official records, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are continuously met.

3. Preparing supporting documentation

Obtain a copy of the certificate of incorporation or registration or any similar official document that confirms your head office’s name change.
If these documents are not in English, have them translated by a certified translator recognised by the Singapore Courts.
Ensure all documents, including translations, are notarised. You can find a Notary Public through the Singapore Academy of Law’s directory.
Attach all relevant documents, including the notarised translations, when you submit the form to complete your application process.

Streamline Your Company Name Change with Expert Corporate Guidance

Changing your company’s name in Singapore requires careful adherence to ACRA’s regulations to ensure a smooth transition. By consulting with a professional corporate service provider like Singapore Corporate Services (SCS), you can benefit from expert guidance that simplifies the process. Our experienced team at SCS offers personalised support, ensuring your company’s name change meets all legal prerequisites and is executed without hassle.

We also provide company secretary services to ensure your business remains compliant with Singapore’s corporate regulations. Our company secretaries assist with drafting resolutions, managing filings, and liaising with ACRA, offering ongoing corporate support to guide you through the name change process and beyond.

Let Singapore Corporate Services handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today for seamless corporate solutions.

Note: All information provided is accurate as of the time of writing. However, regulations and procedures may be updated over time. To ensure you have the most current details, we recommend checking directly with ACRA or consulting a professional corporate service provider.