Striking off is an administrative process under ACRA, not a court process — but for a company that should not be struck off, the time window to object is short and the consequences of inaction are serious. Once a company is struck from the register under Section 344 of the Companies Act 1967, it ceases to exist as a legal entity. Its bank accounts are frozen, its assets vest in the Government as bona vacantia, and the only route back is a court application for reinstatement — far more expensive than a timely objection.
This 2026 guide walks through who can object to a strike-off, the statutory basis, the step-by-step process under ACRA’s framework, the documents required, and what happens if you miss the window. It is written for company directors, creditors and contracting parties who have received notice or seen a Government Gazette listing.
What is an ACRA strike-off and when does it happen?
ACRA may strike a company off the register on application by the company itself (a voluntary strike-off) or on its own initiative if it has reason to believe the company is no longer carrying on business. The most common triggers for ACRA-initiated strike-off:
- Failure to file annual returns for at least two consecutive years.
- No response to ACRA enquiries despite multiple notices.
- The company appears defunct — no banking activity, no registered office mail being collected.
For voluntary strike-off, the company itself files Form 51A under Section 344A. ACRA publishes a notice in the Government Gazette and gives 30 days for objections before the company is struck off two months later (broadly speaking). For ACRA-initiated strike-off, the timeline is similar but the notice is sent to the company’s last known address.
Statutory basis: Singapore Statutes Online — Companies Act Sections 344 and 344A.
Why object to a strike-off?
The most common reasons:
- You are a creditor. The company owes you money, has assets, and a strike-off would extinguish your claim or vest the assets in the Government.
- You are a contracting party. Live contracts, leases, or warranties become unenforceable against a struck-off company.
- You are a shareholder or director. The strike-off was filed without authority, or based on incorrect information about the company’s status.
- You hold security over the company’s assets. A floating or fixed charge becomes practically worthless once the chargor company ceases to exist.
- Litigation is on foot or contemplated. A defendant cannot be served, and a plaintiff cannot pursue a claim, once the company is struck off.
An ACRA strike-off can be more damaging than an orderly liquidation precisely because the company simply disappears — there is no liquidator gathering assets and paying creditors in priority. See our creditors’ voluntary winding up guide for the comparison.
Who can object?
ACRA accepts objections from any person with sufficient interest in the company’s continued existence. There is no closed list, but in practice:
- Creditors (unsecured, secured or trade).
- Members (shareholders).
- Existing directors, including those who did not consent to the strike-off application.
- Parties to live contracts with the company.
- Government agencies (IRAS, MOM, CPF Board) for outstanding tax, work-pass or CPF matters.
The objection does not need to be from a person harmed by the strike-off in a particular legal sense — any reasonable interest will be considered. ACRA is not adjudicating a dispute; it is being asked to pause an administrative process while interests are clarified.
The objection process: step by step
- Confirm the strike-off is in progress. Search BizFile+ to see the company’s status (look for “Under Striking Off”) and check the Government Gazette at egazette.com.sg for the notice date.
- Identify the 30-day window. Objections must be lodged within 30 days of the Gazette notice. After 30 days, ACRA generally proceeds to strike off.
- Prepare the objection letter. Set out who you are, your interest in the company, why the strike-off should not proceed, and what you want ACRA to do (typically: refuse to strike off, or pause pending further enquiry).
- Compile supporting documents. Invoices, contracts, court documents, security registration, NOA, anything that evidences your interest.
- Submit the objection via BizFile+. The objection form is available under “ACRA Online Services”. You will need a Singpass or Corppass account.
- Pay any fee. Objections by interested parties currently incur no filing fee; certain in-depth investigations may attract administrative costs.
- Wait for ACRA’s response. ACRA will write to the company (or the applicant for voluntary strike-off) asking for a response. The company has 30 days to address the objection.
- ACRA decides. If the objection is sustained, the strike-off is refused or paused; the company remains on the register. If the objection is not sustained, ACRA proceeds to strike off after the standard period.
Documents required for an objection
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Objection letter (cover) | States identity, interest, grounds and relief sought |
| Evidence of debt or contract | Invoices, demand letters, signed contracts, ledgers, NOA |
| Security documents (if applicable) | Charge instruments, debentures, registered ACRA charge particulars |
| Court or arbitration filings | Writs, statements of claim, default judgments, orders |
| Correspondence with the company | Evidence that the company knows of the debt or dispute |
| Identity proof | NRIC/passport for individuals; ACRA profile for companies |
| Authority to act | Board resolution for corporate objectors; letter of authority for representatives |
Timeline and costs
| Stage | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BizFile+ status search | Same day | Free |
| Drafting objection | 1–3 days | Internal time / professional fees S$500–S$2,000 |
| ACRA review and company response | 30 days | None |
| ACRA decision | 2–6 weeks after company response | None |
| If accepted — strike-off suspended/refused | Indefinite | None |
| If rejected — consider court reinstatement (Section 344(2)) if struck off subsequently | 3–6 months | S$8,000–S$25,000 in legal fees |
What happens after the objection is sustained?
The strike-off application is refused. The company remains on the register. ACRA may direct the company to address whatever was concerning them (e.g. file outstanding returns, settle outstanding fines). Once the company is back in compliance, normal operations continue — nothing about the company’s legal status has changed.
If you objected because of a debt or contract, you now have the same rights you had before the strike-off was threatened — you can sue, you can negotiate, you can apply to wind up. Your objection has bought time, not resolved the underlying issue.
What if the strike-off has already happened?
If you missed the 30-day window and the company has been struck off, the remedy is a court application under Section 344(2) for reinstatement. That is a High Court application with formal pleadings, supporting affidavits, and a deposit. See our reinstatement guide for the full process. The application must usually be made within six years of striking off (15 years for certain creditor-related applications).
Reinstatement is more expensive than objection — budget S$8,000 to S$25,000 in legal fees plus court fees and disbursements, compared with a few hours of time to lodge an objection during the open window.
FAQ
Can I object anonymously?
No. ACRA requires the objector to identify themselves and state the interest. ACRA will, however, decide what (if anything) is disclosed to the company.
What if the company disputes my objection?
ACRA will weigh both sides. ACRA is not a court — it does not adjudicate the merits of an underlying claim. It decides whether the strike-off should proceed given the competing interests.
Can a single creditor with a small debt block a strike-off?
In principle yes, if the debt is genuine and documented. In practice, very small debts may be discounted — particularly if the company offers to settle.
What if the company has been dissolved before I find out?
Your route is court reinstatement under Section 344(2). Engage Singapore counsel promptly because the limitation periods run from the date of striking off, not the date of discovery.
Does objecting stop the company from being wound up later?
No. The objection only stops the administrative strike-off. A formal winding up under the IRDA is a separate process — see our court-ordered winding up guide.
Need Help With This Matter?
If your company is facing this situation, Raffles Corporate Services can assist with the groundwork — ACRA filings, compliance documentation, and coordinating with experienced Singapore law firms. For matters requiring court proceedings, we work with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms who offer cost-effective and efficient legal service and advice.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Call, SMS or WhatsApp: +65 8501 7133
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified Singapore Advocate and Solicitor.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services