At some point, you may need to modify your company’s particulars, including changing your company name and its registered address, for various reasons. When you do so, you must notify the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in time so that they can update their records accordingly. Failing to do so can mean a fine for late filing, as ACRA ensures that your company records are accessible to the public for various purposes.
For convenience, you can access BizFile, a handy “one-stop digital service portal” to make any company-related changes, including your company name and registered address.
For Local Singapore Companies
Changing Company Name
Before making changes in Bizfile, first pick your new company name. Per the Companies Act 1967, the new name must not:
- Contain vulgar or offensive words.
- Share similar names with existing entities or government bodies.
- Use prohibited/reserved names (i.e., “Temasek” is a protected word and cannot be used by entities).
ACRA will disregard certain words when assessing a company name when other entities share similar names, as they do not “qualify as sufficiently different.” These words include (but are not limited to):
- Company.
- Holding/Holdings.
- International.
- Incorporated.
- Partner/Partners.
- Trading.
- Worldwide.
Thus, identical name applications like Morgan Baking Supplies International Pte. Ltd. and Morgan Baking Supplies Worldwide Pte. Ltd., which are two separate entities, will be rejected.
You will need to submit the proposed new entity name to ACRA via BizFile using the “Change in Company Information” form and pay a $15 filing fee. Once they approve the new entity name, your company will have to pass a Special Resolution on the name change, with 14 days written notice (21 days for public companies) to the company shareholders to discuss this. This notice period can be shortened if shareholders with 95% voting rights agree to it.
Once the company shareholders agree to the name change, the same person who submitted the name change proposal should file a Notice of Resolution with ACRA “within 14 days of its passing.” You will need to include the transaction number for the successful business name application and the Notice of Resolution saved as a PDF. Eventually, ACRA will send you a Notice of Change of Company Name under your company’s new name, taking effect from the notice’s issuance date.
Changing Company Registered Address
For this change, you need to file it in BizFile via the “Change in Company Information” form, under the “Office Address” section. There is no filing fee, but you must complete it within 14 days of the change or risk a late filing fine.
Ensure your new registered address remains accessible to the public for “at least three hours during ordinary business hours” every business day (except weekends and public holidays) and can receive all forms of correspondence, including legal documents. Otherwise, you may risk paying a hefty fine. You can learn more about registered addresses here.
Changing the Company Name and Address for Foreign Entities
Foreign companies may also use BizFile to update their new company name and address, but they will also need to submit additional documents (translated into English by a certified Singapore Court translator or interpreter in Singapore, where applicable) for specific applications. A Notary Public must also notarise all relevant documents in Singapore before submission. ACRA allows foreign companies a 30-day period to submit these changes and the relevant documents.
Changing Foreign Company Name
If the foreign entity’s head office changes its name, you can apply for a name change via BizFile. Ensure there are no similar names already registered within BizFile’s database. Once you have the new name, access the “Change in the Foreign Company Information” form and proceed with the application. You also need to pay a $15 filing fee.
Once the application is approved, file a “Notice of Change of Company Name” via the “Update Entity Information” form in BizFile and provide supporting documents to indicate the head office’s name change. You do not need to pay any fee for this process, but ensure you complete it promptly.
Changing Foreign Company Registered Address
Foreign companies should update their registered address on Bizfile within 30 days, similar to what local companies need to do. Ensure you complete it on time to avoid a late filing fine.
Using A Virtual Office as Your Company Registered Address
Renting or leasing an entire office space can be costly if you move to a new location, especially for small-to-medium businesses or foreign companies expanding in Singapore. If you have just a small team of employees, or for those operating remotely, having unused office space would be a waste of resources that could otherwise be used elsewhere.
The good news is that you can always use a virtual office as your company’s registered address. Consider My Office’s virtual office options to give your employees the physical working space they need without breaking the bank. We also offer flexible and convenient add-ons at an affordable rate, including mail forwarding and a dedicated phone line with call forwarding.
We also offer comprehensive corporate secretarial services to help you navigate the intricacies of the Companies Act, keep you updated on government filing deadlines, and ensure timely submissions to ACRA where needed. Contact us today to find out more!
