Singapore lets you incorporate in 24 hours via ACRA. But trademark approval takes 6-8 months. File trademark same day as incorporation to maximize your protection timeline.
Company Types
Pte Ltd: Most common. Limited liability, minimum 1 shareholder.
Sole Proprietorship: Individual ownership, unlimited liability.
Name Approval via ACRA
Name needs "Private Limited" or "Pte Ltd" at the end. Can't be identical to existing company.
Restricted words (Bank, Insurance, University) need license proof first.
How to Apply
Search BizFile+ at bizfile.gov.sg. Apply online - SGD 15 fee.
Approval takes 1 hour to 1 day. Name reserved for 120 days.
12% Rejection Rate: Too similar names get rejected. Use distinctive names to avoid delays and consultant fees.
Trademark via IPOS
SGD 341 per class. Takes 6-8 months.
Opposition period: 2 months after acceptance. Protection lasts 10 years.
Search First
Check IPOS database at eservices.ipos.gov.sg before filing.
Professional search costs SGD 500-1,000 but prevents rejected applications.
Fast Track Option
SG-IP FAST program: 6 months → 4 months processing.
Same SGD 341 fee. You need proof of commerce or intent to use within 6 months.
File Madrid Protocol via IPOS to protect in 120+ countries. Essential for regional expansion - covers Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam from single filing.
ACRA Name vs Trademark
ACRA name: Protects against identical company names only. Approved in 1 day. SGD 15.
Trademark: Protects against similar marks. Takes 6-8 months. SGD 341+. Much stronger protection.
File Trademark Same Day: Trademark filing date establishes priority. Competitor can file trademark before you and block your business name even though you incorporated first.
Domain Strategy
.sg domain needs ACRA number. SGD 40-65/year. Processing: 1-2 days.
.com: No restrictions. SGD 15-25/year. Register both.
Complete Timeline
Day 1: Name approval (1-24 hours). Day 2: Incorporate online (instant). Day 2: File trademark.
Company operational in 2 days. Trademark secured in 6-8 months.
After Incorporation
Company secretary: Appoint within 6 months or face SGD 5,000 fine.
Resident director: Need at least 1 Singapore resident director.
What It Costs
ACRA filing: SGD 315. Company secretary: SGD 600-1,500/year. Trademark: SGD 341.
Total year 1: SGD 2,000-4,000 for Pte Ltd with trademark.
Common Mistakes
Incorporating without trademark search - competitor blocks name later.
Using descriptive names ("Singapore Consulting") - trademark rejected.
Not filing trademark immediately - loses priority date.
Trademark Lens checks name availability before you spend SGD 2,000+ on Singapore setup.