Changing Your Company Name and Updating Information in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

As your business evolves, there might come a point when the name you chose during incorporation no longer fits your company’s direction. While you could wind down your current company and set up a new one, often applying to ACRA to change your company name is more efficient and cost-effective.

At times, you need to update other crucial details too:

• Your company’s registered office address
• Appointing a new company director or secretary
• Updating personal particulars of directors, secretaries, or shareholders

Keeping these records current isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. Under the Companies Act, you must notify ACRA of these changes within 14 days. This ensures your Business Profile stays up-to-date and compliant with Singapore regulations.

Let’s dive into how you can smoothly navigate these changes while staying on the right side of the law.

Why Update Your Company Information?

Changing your company details goes beyond mere paperwork. It’s about:

• Reflecting your current brand identity (especially when you change your company name)
• Ensuring smooth communication with authorities
• Maintaining legal compliance
• Avoiding potential disputes and penalties

Remember, ACRA needs to know about these changes within 14 days for local companies and 30 days for foreign entities. Let’s break down the process for each type of update.

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For Local Companies: Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. How to Change Your Company Name

1. Choose Wisely: Ensure your new name follows ACRA’s guidelines. No offensive words or government body lookalikes!
2. File on BizFile: Use the “Change in Company Information” form and pay S$15.
3. Get Shareholders on Board: Pass a special resolution with at least 75% approval.
4. Notify ACRA: File a notice of resolution within 14 days.
5. It’s Official: Wait for your new Notice of Incorporation.

2. Updating Other Details

For changes to your registered address, SSIC code, business activity, or register of members:

• Log into BizFile
• Use the “Change in Company Information” form
• No fee, but stick to the 14-day deadline

3. Changing Company Officers

Appointing a new director or updating company secretary services? Here’s what to do:

• Use the same “Change in Company Information” form on BizFile
• Have the new appointee’s details ready
• They’ll need to endorse their appointment via SingPass
• Again, no fee, but don’t miss that 14-day window

4. Updating Personal Particulars

• Use the “Change in Personal Particulars of Company Officers” form on BizFile
• Singaporeans and PRs get a pass if they’ve updated with ICA

For Foreign Companies: Slightly Different, But Just As Important

1. How to Change Your Company Name (Foreign Entities)

1. File on BizFile: Use the “Change in Foreign Company Information” form and pay S$15.
2. Provide Proof: Submit documents showing the head office’s name change.
3. Translation Alert: Non-English documents need notarized translations.

2. Other Updates

For changes to registered office, company activity, legal form, or register of members:

• Use the “Change in Foreign Company Information” form on BizFile
• No fee, but update within 30 days

3. Changing Company Officers

• Same form as above for new directors or authorised representatives
• New appointees must endorse via SingPass
• 30-day deadline applies

4. Updating Personal Particulars

• Use the “Change in Personal Particulars of Authorised Representative or Directors” form
• 30-day deadline, but Singaporeans and PRs are covered if they’ve updated with ICA

Summary

1. Stay Timely: Beat those deadlines to avoid penalties.
2. Accuracy is Key: Double-check all details before submission.
3. Compliance Matters: Keeping records up-to-date isn’t just good practice—it’s the law.

Navigating these updates, especially when you need to change your company name or modify company secretary services, can be tricky. But you don’t have to go it alone. At Counto, we’re all about making corporate governance a breeze, and we”re here to guide you through every step of the process. 

Try Counto’s company secretary service 

Running a company in Singapore can be challenging, but with professional support, it can be simple. Counto’s goal is to take away the complexities of compliance, and save you time and money throughout the year. To learn more, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email us at [email protected], or contact us using this form.

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