Foreign Company Striking-Off Criteria

Key Points

Qualifying situations include a sole representative unable to resign without replacement, no response for at least 12 months to an operations enquiry, or no representative. Additional asset, debt and proceeding conditions apply. An authorised representative applies, or a CSP where there is none. If the Singapore branch simply ceased business, ACRA directs it to the cessation service instead.

Check the Eligibility Route Before Applying

An ordinary decision to stop Singapore operations is different from this representative-related striking-off route. If the branch has simply ceased business, use ACRA’s cessation procedure instead. That service also distinguishes cessation of the Singapore branch from dissolution of the foreign company and commencement of liquidation. Select the event that actually occurred, rather than using striking off as a general substitute for every closure.

For striking off, at least one of the representative situations in the Key Points must apply, and all the additional conditions must also be met. The company must have no unpaid government debts or unresolved government issues, no court proceedings in Singapore or overseas, and no pending or ongoing regulatory or disciplinary action. It must neither own nor owe anything, including potential future claims. As practical preparation, check tax balances, GST cancellation where applicable, and whether the registered contact details remain current.

The application is free and approval is described as immediate, but final striking off takes at least three months after approval. The company remains Live during review, and objections may interrupt the process. Track ACRA’s letters, Gazette notices and final stated striking-off date. Approval of the application alone is not confirmation that the Singapore registration has already been removed.