Registering a new charge
Charges let lenders claim company assets if loans are not repaid. Register new charges within 30 days after the creation of the charge to avoid penalties.
Last updated 2 February 2026
On this page
What is a charge
A charge is a form of security interest held by a lender or creditor (called the "chargee") to secure loan repayment from the borrower (called the "chargor").
If the borrower cannot repay a loan, the chargee can use the charge to claim the company's assets.
Two types of charges
Type | Details |
|---|---|
Fixed charge | Secured on fixed assets such as land, buildings, machinery, shares, or intellectual property. |
Floating charge | Secured on non-specific or generic categories, such as inventory, cash, stocks, and money owed to you by customers. Floating charges only convert to a fixed charge when you cannot repay. |
Requirements for registering a new charge
All Singapore-registered companies (local, re-domiciled and foreign) must register relevant charges.
When you must register a charge
Registering a charge
What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
Registration deadline |
Note: The 37-day requirement applies specifically to these filings:
|
Charges you must register |
|
Note: For the full list of charges and registration rules, refer to section 131 to 141 of the Companies Act 1967.
Requesting for an extension of time
Extension of time
For charges created | Here is what you need to know |
|---|---|
Before redomiciliation | Your company cannot request an extension of time to register a charge. You need to:
|
In Singapore | Your company cannot request an extension of time to register a charge. You need to:
|
Overseas | Your company can request for an extension of time to register a charge. To get a 30-day extension, you need to:
More details: Step-by-step guide to apply for an extension of time (registration of charge under CA S139) |
Penalties for late registration
It is a criminal offence if you fail to register a charge. If a charge is registered late:
Company officers (such as directors and secretaries) may be fined up to $1,000.
Your charge may become void against the liquidator or other secured creditors. This means your lender cannot claim their assets ahead of the liquidator or other creditors.
How to register a new charge
Follow these step-by-step guides to register a new charge.
eServices to register a new charge
For | Step-by-step guides |
|---|---|
Local companies | |
Foreign companies |
If you need more time to register a charge, follow our step-by-step guide to apply for a 30-day extension of time.
Modifying existing charges
After registering a charge, you can file a:
Variation of charge to change the terms of the original charge
Satisfaction of charge when the debt is paid in whole or in part