Starting a business in Singapore? The first step is choosing a unique company name according to ACRA regulations. Our Singapore Company Name Search tool helps you quickly verify if your desired name is available for registration.

Disclaimer: This tool offers a preliminary check for company name availability in Singapore. However, final confirmation and approval will depend on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Mandatory ACRA Guidelines to Secure Your Company Name in Singapore

Uniqueness

The proposed name cannot be identical or closely resemble any existing or reserved company, LLP, or business name listed in ACRA’s register. Running a company name search helps confirm your chosen name is available and compliant with Singapore’s naming rules.

Structure

The Singaporean company name must include two parts:

  1. A proper name written in Latin alphabet characters and may include numerals and common punctuation/symbols.
  2. The suffix or descriptor indicating your business structure, such as “Pte. Ltd.” (Private Limited Company), “Ltd.” (Public Company Limited by Shares), or “LLP” (Limited Liability Partnership).
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Display and Usage

Your company name must appear on all official documents and business correspondence, such as invoices, statements of account, letters, and public notices.

Foreign and Abbreviated Names

  • Foreign-language words are permitted if written in Latin script, while non-Latin characters (such as Chinese, Arabic, or Cyrillic) are not accepted in the official ACRA register.
  • You may also register a shortened or abbreviated form of your company name for branding and operational use.

Prohibited Words

Company names must not:

  • Mislead the public about the company’s nature or affiliation.
  • Contain offensive or inappropriate language.
  • Use government, military, political terms, or terms protected by law.

ACRA requires each company name to include the correct legal entity suffix.
This identifies your business structure and defines its legal standing under the Companies Act 1967.

Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd)

Use the suffix “Private Limited” or “Pte. Ltd.” to identify a private limited company, where shareholders’ liability is separate from the company’s debts and obligations.

Public Company Limited by Shares (Ltd.)

Add “Limited” or “Ltd.” to identify a public company offering shares to the public or planning to list on the Singapore Exchange.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Include “Limited Liability Partnership” or “LLP” to indicate a partnership where each partner is only liable for their own business obligations.

Limited Partnership (LP)

Add “Limited Partnership” or “LP” at the end of your name to indicate a partnership with general and limited partners.

Branch or Representative Office

Use the same name as the foreign parent company. No suffix is required.

Sole Proprietorship

Use your personal name or a trading name approved by ACRA. No suffix is required.

Company Data Available Through Our Company Search Tool

Check vital details of Singaporean businesses from registrations to management through our official Companies House search tool.

1. Company Profile

The company profile provides key information registered with Singapore’s ACRA, detailing a company’s identity and legal standing. It includes:

  • Business Activities: Overview of the company’s operations.
  • Company Name: The registered official name (and any previous names, if applicable).
  • Unique Entity Number (UEN): ACRA-issued identification number used in all legal and government transactions.
  • Date of Incorporation: When the company was officially registered in Singapore.
  • Entity Type: Indicates whether the business is a Private Limited (Pte. Ltd.), Public Company (Ltd.), LLP, LP, or Sole Proprietorship.
  • Status: Shows whether the company is active, in liquidation, or struck off.
  • Registered Address: The official business address.

2. Ownership and Management

You can also view details on a company’s directorship and shareholding structure as recorded with ACRA.

  • Directors and Officers: Names, appointment dates, and roles within the company.
  • Shareholders: Individuals or corporate entities and their respective holdings.

3. Additional Information

The search tool may also provide other relevant data for due diligence:

  • Auditors: Details of the appointed audit firm (if applicable).
  • Registered Assets and Liabilities: Information on charges or mortgages against the company.
  • Financial Summary: Summary of capital, revenue, and net profit/loss from the latest annual filings.

FAQs About Company Name Reservation in Singapore

1. Can two companies use the same proper name if they’re in different legal forms?

ACRA considers names identical or too similar based on the proper name itself, regardless of the business structure.

For example, “Atlas Ventures Pte. Ltd.” and “Atlas Ventures LLP” would be rejected as identical, since suffixes like Pte. Ltd. or LLP are disregarded during assessment.

2. Should I prepare more than one name option?

Yes, it’s best to shortlist 2–3 alternative names before applying. That way, if your first choice is unavailable or flagged for review, you can quickly proceed with a backup without restarting the process.

3. Can I reserve a company name online?

Yes, you can search and reserve a company name directly through ACRA’s BizFile+ portal. While you can check name availability directly on ACRA’s portal, Emerhub’s Company Name Search Tool offers a quick pre-check with guidance on naming compliance and availability, helping you refine your shortlist before you file officially.

Emerhub can also assist with the full name reservation and incorporation process, ensuring your application meets all ACRA requirements from the start.

4. Is registering a company name the same as trademarking?

ACRA’s company name reservation only grants you the right to use that name for incorporation. To protect your brand or logo, you’ll have to file a trademark application separately with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).

5. Can I change my company name after registration?

You can apply to change your company name through BizFile+. Once approved, you must then update your business stationery, bank records, licenses, and contracts to reflect the new name.

6. Why was my company name rejected even though it sounds different?

ACRA may reject names that appear different but are deemed identical in substance under the Companies (Identical Names) Rules. This often happens because generic words such as Group, Holdings, International, Asia, or Trading are ignored during comparison, so adding them won’t make your name unique. For example:

  • Atlas Ventures Pte. Ltd. and The Atlas Ventures LLP are also considered the same.
  • Morning Caffeine Pte. Ltd. and Morning Caffeine Holdings Pte. Ltd. are treated as identical.

If your name was rejected, try revising the distinctive root word rather than adding or rearranging common terms. Tools like Emerhub’s Company Name Search Tool can help identify potential conflicts before you file officially.

Singapore Company Registration Insights and ACRA Guidelines