Why ACRA Might Reject Your Company Registration in 2025 And How to Get It Right

Starting a business in Singapore is a smart move—stable government, strong legal framework, and one of the most efficient incorporation processes in the world. But even here, your company registration can be rejected by ACRA, which means your business plans get delayed before they even begin.

Here’s why this happens, and how you can avoid the common mistakes that lead to registration rejections in 2025.

1. Your Company Name Doesn’t Meet ACRA’s Criteria

Choosing a name might seem like the easiest part of setting up a company. But ACRA applies strict rules to make sure business names are distinct and appropriate.

Your name may be rejected if it:

• Is identical or too similar to an existing registered name
  
• Includes regulated or restricted words like “bank,” “finance,” or “media” without prior approval
  
• Is deemed misleading, vulgar, or inappropriate
  

Tip: Use ACRA’s BizFile+ to search for existing names before submitting your application. Choose something original and neutral to avoid unnecessary delays.

2. You Don’t Have a Resident Director in Singapore

Under the Companies Act, all private limited companies must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore. This means someone who:

• Is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
  
• Holds a valid Employment Pass or EntrePass with a local residential address
  
• Is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to act as a director
  

If your company does not meet this requirement, ACRA will reject your registration.

For non-resident founders, appointing a local director is necessary. This role carries legal responsibilities, so the appointment should be made with care and full understanding of the duties involved.

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3. Your Application Has Errors or Missing Information

Even small administrative mistakes can lead to a registration rejection.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect personal details (e.g. NRIC, passport numbers, or addresses)
  
• Missing supporting documents
  
• Unclear shareholding structure
  
• Failure to appoint a company secretary (must be done within 6 months of incorporation)
  

As of 2025, Singapore also requires most companies to file their financial statements in XBRL format, unless exempted. Laying the foundation for proper compliance from day one is more important than ever.

What Happens If Your Registration Is Rejected?

If your company registration is rejected, ACRA will provide the reason. You’ll then need to correct the issue and reapply. While not permanent, rejection adds time, stress, and can delay critical business activities like bank account opening or grant applications.

Summary

Singapore’s registration process is fast—when done right. But rushing through it or skipping key checks can slow you down. Make sure your documents are complete, your company name is compliant, and your director structure meets ACRA’s requirements.

ACRA doesn’t make exceptions, but it does make the rules clear. Following them gives your business a clean start—and a quicker path to growth.

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