Step 3.2: Reserving a business name via Bizfile

Learn how to reserve your business name for up to 120 days.

Last updated 29 January 2026

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Before you apply

You can apply for a business name yourself or get help from a corporate service provider (CSP). Check if you are eligible before registering on your own.

Who may apply

Two options for name applications

Options	Notes
Apply using Singpass	You can apply directly through Bizfile if you will take on one of these roles: Owner or authorised representative (if all owners are not locally resident) of a proposed sole proprietorship or partnership Director or secretary of a proposed local company Partner or individual manager of a proposed limited liability partnership (LLP) General partner or general partner as a nominee or trustee of a proposed limited partnership Partner under Accountants Act S18(3)(c) or public accountant employee for a proposed public accounting firm Director under Accountants Act S17(3)(d) or public accountant employee for a proposed public accounting corporation Partner under Accountants Act S18A(3)(e) or public accountant employee for a proposed accounting LLP Anyone (including foreigners) with Singpass can file the name application for a foreign company branch
Engage a CSP to submit the application on your behalf	Anyone can engage a CSP. However, foreigners must engage a CSP to register a business. Learn more about rules for foreigners.

Options

Notes

Apply using Singpass

You can apply directly through Bizfile if you will take on one of these roles:

Owner or authorised representative (if all owners are not locally resident) of a proposed sole proprietorship or partnership
Director or secretary of a proposed local company
Partner or individual manager of a proposed limited liability partnership (LLP)
General partner or general partner as a nominee or trustee of a proposed limited partnership
Partner under Accountants Act S18(3)(c) or public accountant employee for a proposed public accounting firm
Director under Accountants Act S17(3)(d) or public accountant employee for a proposed public accounting corporation
Partner under Accountants Act S18A(3)(e) or public accountant employee for a proposed accounting LLP
Anyone (including foreigners) with Singpass can file the name application for a foreign company branch

Engage a CSP to submit the application on your behalf

Anyone can engage a CSP.

However, foreigners must engage a CSP to register a business. Learn more about rules for foreigners.

Note: During the name application, you need to specify your business activity by selecting the most relevant Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.

What you need to prepare

Required documents and information

You need to prepare	Details
Business information	Preferred business name without legal suffixes like Pte Ltd. Business structure (entity type) that you want to register. Primary business activity. You can find a Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code that is most relevant to your business activity beforehand or pick one during the application. Secondary business activities, if applicable.
Other documents (if needed)	Letter of consent from the director or owner of the business with an identical name to your proposed name. Supporting information or documents when your business name needs justification (such as "ASEAN").
Contact details	Valid email address for updates
Payment method	Credit card, debit card, or online banking for the $15 application fee

Fees and processing time

Application fee and processing timeline

What you need to know	Details
Fee	$15 Note: The fee is non-refundable if the name is unavailable or if you decide to withdraw the name application.
Payment method	Credit card, debit card, or online banking
Processing time	Most registrations are approved soon after payment. Complex registrations requiring additional review may take longer: ACRA's review of your proposed name: Up to three working days Applications sent to referral authorities: Up to 15 working days We will inform you if more time is needed.

What you need to know

Details

Fee

$15

Note: The fee is non-refundable if the name is unavailable or if you decide to withdraw the name application.

Payment method

Credit card, debit card, or online banking

Processing time

Most registrations are approved soon after payment. Complex registrations requiring additional review may take longer:

ACRA's review of your proposed name: Up to three working days
Applications sent to referral authorities: Up to 15 working days

We will inform you if more time is needed.

Steps to apply

Follow our step-by-step guide to apply for a new business entity name on Bizfile.

Next steps after applying

After you apply, save the transaction number. You will need it to register your business within 120 days. After 120 days, the name will be released for others to use.

You can check your application status through notifications from ACRA. If your name is unavailable, submit a name review request if you have a good reason to use it (even if it is identical or not allowed).

Protect your brand with a trademark

Registering a business name with ACRA is not the same as registering a trade mark.

Trade mark registration:

Gives you exclusive rights to use the name
Provides intellectual property protection
Prevents others from using your registered mark

Business name registration:

Does not give you exclusive rights to the name
Does not provide intellectual property protection
Only registers the name for your business entity

To get exclusive rights to your name: You must apply separately for a trade mark through the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).

Secure your website domain

Registering a business name with ACRA does not give you the right to a matching website address. Website addresses are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register ".sg" or ".com.sg" domains: Contact a registrar approved by the Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC).

Get licences or approvals

Your business may need licences or approvals. This depends on your business activity.

Use GoBusiness to:

Check what licence or approval your business might need using the Licence e-Advisers
Apply for new licences

If you do not need licences or approvals, you can start your business after you have registered your business.

Applying for a new business entity name

Use Bizfile to reserve a name for your business, whether you are registering a new entity or managing an existing one.

Troubleshooting guide: Name application and business registration

Fix common issues when applying for a new business entity name and registering a new business entity on Bizfile.

Withdrawing a name application

If you applied for a new business entity name via Bizfile, you can withdraw your request before the name is approved.

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