How to Change Company Name

Step 1: Choose a new company name. Ensure that it complies with company name guidelines and isn’t already taken or too similar to an existing company name. If your chosen name closely resembles another entity’s, it may lead to customer confusion. In such cases, ACRA may require you to change the name again.

ACRA’s general company name guidelines include:

  • It cannot contain vulgar or offensive language.
  • It cannot be too similar to another company or government agency.
  • It must not be a prohibited name (e.g., “Temasek” is legally protected and cannot be registered).

Step 2: Log in to BizFile and complete the “Change in Company Information including Appointment/Cessation of Company Officers/Auditors” form under File eServices > Local Company > Make Changes. A filing fee of S$15 applies.

Step 3: If your request is approved, pass a Special Resolution. Follow these steps:

  • Draft a written resolution for the company name change, which will become the Special Resolution.
  • Notify your company’s shareholders in writing about the resolution proposal at least 14 days before the meeting (for private limited companies). You can shorten this notice period if shareholders holding at least 95% of voting rights agree.
  • A minimum of 75% of shareholders with voting rights must approve the resolution.

Step 4: After receiving shareholder approval, submit a Notice of Resolution to ACRA within 14 days of passing the resolution. Go to the “Notice of Resolution” form under File eServices > Local Company > Make Changes in BizFile. There is no fee for this step.

Step 5: ACRA will issue a Notice of Incorporation under your company’s new name. The change will take effect from the date the notice is issued.

Once the change is complete, your company’s new name will be displayed in BizFile’s search directory, with the old name in brackets. “N.k.a” stands for “now known as,” and “f.k.a” means “formerly known as.” This ensures your company can be found whether users search by the new or old name.

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