icon fb blueicon linkedin blueicon call blueicon youtube blue

Regulations on Company Name in Singapore

Hien Luong
Director / Head of Translation Department
With nearly a decade of experience leading diverse translation projects, Hiền Lương ensures every document meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy. She excels in team management and client communication, delivering seamless, reliable translation services.
With nearly a decade of experience leading diverse translation projects, Hiền Lương ensures every document meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy. She excels in team management and client communication, delivering seamless, reliable translation services.

Selecting a name is the most important decision when incorporating a new company. The image of a business that you want to create will be reflected through its name. Registration of the company name will also protect the name and no other company allows to use the same registered name.

This article focuses on the selection of Singapore company names, along with applicable naming regulations and procedures which are required when deciding a name for the new company. Let’s keep reading the article!


Selection of Company Name in Singapore

Regulations of company name in Singapore

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) will approve the name of a company, but they will refuse a proposed name if it is similar, identical or phonetically the same as a registered company.

The use of certain words such as “bank”, “insurance”, and “education” could be subjected to control and regulation by other governments and require permission before proceeding to incorporate.

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the following are matters you must consider when selecting a name for your company or business. However, the registrar will reject a proposed company or business name, if the name is:

  1. Undesirable (if it is obscene and includes religious name)
  2. Identical to any registered name of a company, corporation, business, partnership, limited liability partnership.
  3. Identical to any reserved name as per the Business Registration Act 2014, Limited Liability Partnership Act, or Limited Partnership Act.
  4. Not accepted by the Registrar as per the directions of the Minister.

You are required to exercise caution and avoid selecting names that resemble the name of another because the Registrar has the delicacy to direct you to change your company name if another company or business has a valid complaint within 12 months that your name resembles their company’s name or is likely to be mistaken for it.


The Regulations on Determining Identical Names

The companies (Identical Names) Rules and Business Registration (Identical Names) Rules were enacted pursuant to the news. 27(2D) of the Companies Act and s. (Provigil) 11(10) Business Registration Act.

They are rules set out what the Registrar will consider as identical:

  1. In determining whether one name is identical to another, the following shall be disregarded:
  1. “The”, where it is the first word of the name;
  2. “Private”, “Pte”, “Sendirian”, “Sdn”, “Limited”, “Ltd”, “Berhad” and “Bhd”;
  3. the following words and expressions where they appear at the end of the name:
    “company”, “and company”, “corporation”, “Incorporated”, “Asia”,“Asia Pacific”, “International”, “Singapore”, “South Asia”, “South East Asia” and “Worldwide”;
  4. any word or expression which, in the opinion of the Registrar, is intended to represent any word or expression in sub-paragraph (iii); (v) the plural version of the name; (vi) the type and case of letters, spacing between letters and punctuation marks; and

b. The symbol “&” is deemed to have the same meaning as the word “and”

The rules also allow for the Registrar to refer the parties in dispute over the use of a name to mediation before giving any direction for a name change.


Guidelines on Searching for Identical or Similar Names

  1. For names with initials, key in the various combinations of the proposed name.

Eg. If the proposed name is “AB Trading”, the possible ways of checking are: AB, A B, A.B, A. B, A-B, A - B, A&B, A & B, ANB, A N B, A ‘n’ B, The AB, The A.B, The A&B, etc.

  1. Check for names with similar pronunciations.

The possible ways of checking for similarly pronounced names are:

Eg. Wah, Wa, Hwa, Hua, etc. Sing, Seng, Sin, Sen, Xing, Xin, Shing, etc. How, HaoYen, Yan, Yian, Yien, Yuan, etc. Chong, Chung, Cheong, CheungCity, CitiClassic, Classique, Klassic, Classic, etc. Express, Xpress, X’press, X-press, etc. Yew Fa, Yew Fatt, You Fa, Yu Fa, Yewfa, U Fa, etc.

Eg. If the proposed name is “The Fashion”, the possible ways of checking are: Fashion, De Fashion, De-Fashion, De’ Fashion, De. Fashion, D. Fashion, D-Fashion, D Fashion, D’ Fashion, etc.

  1. Check for similar names, but in different sequence(s).

Eg. If the proposed name is “Gift Express”, please also check for “Express Gift”. If the proposed name is “Bags Big and Small”, please also check for “Bags Small and Big” / “Big and Small Bags”, “Small and Big Bags” etc.

  1. Check for similar names dealing with a similar trade or in a similar industry. Also, check for words with similar meanings as the proposed name.

Eg. “Rose Transport” is similar to “Rose Transportation” / “Rose Forwarding”, etc. “Bob Construction” is similar to “Bob Renovation” / “Bob Contractor” / “Bob Builder”, etc. “Red Fashion” is similar to “Red Boutique” / “Red Apparel”, etc. “AB Trading” is similar to “AB Marketing” / “AB Enterprise” / “AB Import & Export”, etc.

  1. Note that each of the following common descriptive words is considered similar to those mentioned the same line:

i) Trading; trade; marketing; enterprise

ii) Investment; holding

iii) Construction; building; builder; build

iv) Contractor; renovation contractor

v) Systems; solutions; information technology; I.T.; technologies

vi) Travels; traveling; traveler

vii) Movers; transports; logistics

viii) Freight forwarders; freight forwarding, express.

  1. Graphical words and phrases, including names of countries and places, are not considered distinguishing or descriptive.

Eg. “Hello Trading” is similar to “Hello Trading International” / “Hello Trading Singapore”, etc. Conversely, “Comfy Sofas South-East Asia ” is similar to “Comfy Sofas”, etc.

  1. Punctuation marks are not considered to be sufficiently distinguishing or descriptive.

Eg. “Happy! Hamsters” is similar to “Happy Hamsters” “Faraway Tour” is similar to “Far-Away Tour”

  1. Check for similar company and business names, whether the proposed name is for a company or a business.

Eg. “Square Chocolates Pte Ltd” is similar to “Square Chocolates Trading”, etc. “Loud Music Enterprise” is similar to “Loud Music Inc.” / “Loud Music Pte Ltd”/ “Loud Music Sdn. Bhd.”, etc.

These are the regulations on company names in Singapore, and deciding a company name is quite difficult, as the name we choose is probably similar to other companies. Thus, these are rules and guidelines for you to set out the company’s name.

READ MORE: Viettonkin Consulting incorporation service

In conclusion, you need to remember that a company cannot be incorporated without a name while deciding a name, and reserving it is one of the first steps. The name of your company should be selected after careful observation of the regulations of the Companies Act. Choosing the identical name should be avoided too, and if the name that you select is not online with the law and regulation, it will either be rejected in the first place, or you will get complained against as per the procedures provided by ACRA.

Found This Insight Valuable?
Need expert guidance on ASEAN market entry?
Schedule a Consultation
About the Author
Hien Luong
Director / Head of Translation Department
Hiền Lương serves as the Director and Head of the Translation Department, bringing almost 10 years of hands-on experience in managing and overseeing a wide range of translation projects. She leads a skilled team of translators, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes accuracy, reliability, and client satisfaction. Hiền is known for her strong project management abilities and exceptional communication skills with clients, collaborators, and notary offices, ensuring projects are delivered on time and without compromise. Her deep understanding of both the technical and human sides of translation enables her to uphold rigorous quality control, meeting—and often exceeding—client expectations. Hiền’s leadership, first-hand industry knowledge, and commitment to continuous improvement position her as a trusted authority in the field of translation.

Related Insights

Singapore Investment: Strategic Considerations

In the realm of global business, making the decision to invest in Singapore or opt for investment opportunities in China is a pivotal choice that necessitates careful evaluation. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, illuminating the significance of geographical location, human resources, economic background, economic policy, and investment incentives in shaping the environment for […]
Read Article →

Remote Business Development and Business Matching Services in Vietnam

Remote business setup and management solutions are in high demand worldwide. Following the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses must adapt, survive, and then hope to thrive again in the face of all existing constraints. After forming a business entity in Vietnam, foreign investors may face a slew of challenges in maintaining and growing it. […]
Read Article →

Regulations of Company name in Vietnam

When investors decide to go full-steam into setting up a business in Vietnam, selecting a trading name for the company is the first step. Even though foreign-owned companies are entirely at the discretion of business-owners, they remain subjected to Vietnamese business laws, including business naming regulations. This article provides a starter-pack on company naming regulations […]
Read Article →

Factors contribute to the potential development of Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the biggest, and fastest growing investment destinations in Vietnam. In recent years, the city has taken a holistic approach in improving its business environment. The city is rapidly developing its logistics infrastructure, industrial infrastructure and satellite areas. From the perspective of an investor, these changes bring unprecedented opportunities due to improvements […]
Read Article →
Unlock Vietnam's Market: Download Our Comprehensive FDI eBook Now!

Vietnam is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by rapid economic growth, favorable government policies, and an investor-friendly business environment. This eBook provides a deep dive into Vietnam’s economic landscape, highlighting key industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and digital banking that attract FDI. It also explores the government’s proactive measures to streamline investment procedures, improve infrastructure, and offer tax incentives for foreign enterprises. Additionally, it covers crucial insights into market entry strategies, regulatory requirements, and socio-cultural factors that influence business success in Vietnam.


Download the eBook now to gain expert insights into successfully navigating Vietnam’s dynamic investment landscape!

Download EBOOK
Unlock Vietnam's Market: Download Our Comprehensive FDI eBook Now!

Vietnam is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by rapid economic growth, favorable government policies, and an investor-friendly business environment. This eBook provides a deep dive into Vietnam’s economic landscape, highlighting key industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and digital banking that attract FDI. It also explores the government’s proactive measures to streamline investment procedures, improve infrastructure, and offer tax incentives for foreign enterprises. Additionally, it covers crucial insights into market entry strategies, regulatory requirements, and socio-cultural factors that influence business success in Vietnam.


Download the eBook now to gain expert insights into successfully navigating Vietnam’s dynamic investment landscape!

Download E-Book

About Us

Founded in 2009, Viettonkin Consulting is a multi-disciplinary group of consulting firms headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam with offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong and a strong presence through strategic alliances throughout Southeast Asia. Our firm’s guiding mission is aimed towards facilitating intra-ASEAN investments and connecting investors in Southeast Asia with the rest of the world, thus promoting international business relationships and strengthening inter-nation connections.
Contact
Email: 
info@viettonkin.com.vn
Phone Number: 
+84 977093166
Support
FAQ
Subscribe to our insights to look at the critical issue that your business is facing and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly changing world.
Subscription Form
img linkedin
Viettonkin Consulting Logo © 2025 - Viettonkin JSC

Anything we can help with?

arrow-up