When a business stops running in Singapore, owners often ask — what next? Keeping the company alive on paper costs money, and there are compliance obligations even if no revenue comes in. That is why many turn to striking off. It’s a straightforward way of closing the company, less complicated than winding up, but still a formal process overseen by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Striking off basically removes the company’s name from the official register. Once it’s struck off, it’s considered dissolved. Of course, this option is only open if certain conditions are satisfied, and those conditions are there to make sure the company has really ceased operations and has no loose ends.
Conditions for Striking Off
ACRA doesn’t just let any company walk away. Before applying, a company has to make sure a few boxes are ticked:
- The business must have stopped operating.
- It shouldn’t owe anyone money — no outstanding liabilities should remain.
- Any assets should be disposed of before the strike-off.
- The company cannot be involved in ongoing court cases inside or outside Singapore.
- No unpaid tax liabilities should be left with IRAS.
- There shouldn’t be any outstanding charges registered against the company.
- Accounts and tax filings need to be updated until the cessation date.
In short, striking off is not an escape hatch. It’s a way to close the book neatly, only if there are no pending obligations.
Application for Striking Off
Filing for strike-off is done through BizFile+, ACRA’s online system. The application can be submitted by:
- a company director,
- the company secretary, or
- a registered filing agent.
Supporting documents may be asked for — typically to show that liabilities have been cleared. Once the application goes in, ACRA reviews it. If they’re satisfied, they don’t strike off immediately. Instead, they issue a notice that the strike-off has been proposed. This makes the process transparent and gives others a chance to object.
After Application is Made
After the application is filed, a chain of events follows:
- Notices are sent to the company’s registered office, to all directors, and the company secretary.
- The proposed strike-off is published in the Government Gazette.
- There’s usually a one-month period for any objections.
If no one objects, the strike-off can proceed. But if, say, a creditor raises an issue, ACRA will put the process on hold until that objection is resolved. When everything is cleared, a final notice is published in the Gazette and at that point the company is officially dissolved.
Withdrawal of Strike Off Application
Sometimes businesses change their mind. Maybe they see a new opportunity or realise the company structure could still be useful. If that happens, the strike-off application can be withdrawn.
The withdrawal also has to be filed online via BizFile+. ACRA will want to know the reasons, and once they review the request, they can accept or reject it.
Objection to Strike Off
It’s not only the company itself that has a say. Other parties can step in. Creditors, employees, or anyone with a valid claim against the company can lodge an objection.
Once lodged, the strike-off gets suspended. The company then has time to sort things out. If the objection remains unresolved within the given timeline, the strike-off application lapses. In practice, this safeguard makes sure that the strike-off is not used as a shortcut to dodge legitimate obligations.
Restoration of Struck Off Company
Even after a company has been struck off, that’s not always the end. There’s a path to bring it back — called restoration.
Restoration usually requires an application to court. It is considered if the company still had business or assets at the time of strike-off, or if the strike-off was not appropriate in the first place.
If restored, it’s as if the company had never been dissolved. Its legal existence continues without a break. This provision is important — it prevents accidental or premature strike-offs from harming shareholders, creditors, or other stakeholders.
Final Thoughts
The strike-off process in Singapore offers a clean and structured way to shut down companies that no longer serve a purpose. It’s faster and cheaper than winding up, but it isn’t automatic. The company must first settle debts, complete its filings, and make sure no disputes remain.
At the same time, the system isn’t one-sided. Creditors and other stakeholders have a voice through objections, and even after a strike-off, restoration is possible. Together, these checks and balances ensure the process is fair.
For business owners, the takeaway is straightforward: if your company is dormant and the conditions are met, strike-off is a practical closure route. But don’t think of it as just paperwork — it’s about responsibly ending a business chapter while leaving no unfinished business behind.
