Registering a charge for a VCC
Charges let lenders claim variable capital company (VCC) assets if loans are not repaid. Register new charges with ACRA within 30 to 37 days to avoid penalties.
Last updated 29 January 2026
What is a charge
A charge is a form of security that lenders (creditors or "chargees") take to ensure repayment. If you cannot repay a loan, lenders can use the charge to claim your VCC'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. |
Registering a new charge
This guide explains when you must register a charge with ACRA, and how to register through the VCC portal. You must register a charge on time to avoid penalties.
When you must register a charge
Registering a charge
What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
Registration deadline |
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What you must register |
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Note: For the full list of charges and registration rules, refer to section 131 to 141 of the Companies Act.
Who may register a charge
All VCCs and sub-funds incorporated or registered in Singapore can register charges.
You can either:
Register directly if you are a VCC officer
Engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to register on your behalf
What you need to prepare
You need to prepare:
Unique entity number (UEN) of VCC
Date of creation of charge
Extended date
Place of instrument executed
Reason for extension
How to register a charge
Follow our step-by-step guide to register a charge.
After registration:
ACRA will email you a confirmation.
Keep this email as evidence that your VCC has complied with the registration requirements.
Requesting for an extension of time
Extension of time
For charges filed | Here is what you need to know |
|---|---|
In Singapore | Your VCC cannot request for an extension of time to register a charge. You need to:
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Overseas | Your VCC can request for an extension of time to register a charge. To get a three-month extension, you need to:
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Penalties for late registration
It is a criminal offence if you fail to register a charge. If a charge is registered late:
VCC 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.
Modifying existing charges
You can either file a variation of charge or file a satisfaction of charge.
Two ways to modify a charge
What you can file | How to file |
Variation of charge: Changes the terms of the original charge, based on an agreement between you and the lender. For example, you can change the amount secured or the lender. | Follow our step-by-step guide for variation of charge. There is no filing fee for this eService. |
Satisfaction of charge: Filed when the debt is paid in whole or in part. | You must file a statement of satisfaction of the debt to release the charge. As a VCC officer, you can either:
There is no filing fee for this eService. Once you have filed successfully, the charge will be removed from the Register. |