A company that has been struck off can often be put back on the register. Which route applies depends on how the company was struck off. We assess that first, then prepare the application and the catch-up filings ACRA will want to see.
Last reviewed 17 October 2026. Source: ACRA.
The two routes
| Descriptions | Administrative restoration | Court order route |
|---|---|---|
| Used when | ACRA initiated the striking off (for example, for unfiled annual returns) | A court order is obtained, then filed with ACRA |
| Law | Companies Act s 344D | Companies Act s 344(5) |
| Who applies | Former directors or members of the struck-off company | ACRA’s guide lists the order required but does not state who may apply |
| ACRA fee | $0 | $0 |
| ACRA processing | Up to 60 days, depending on complexity and documents | Up to 15 working days from filing the application |
| Key documents | Reasons for the appeal, supporting documents, letters of undertaking if someone files for you | UEN, a copy of the court order with its reference number and date, reasons, supporting documents |
ACRA’s strike-off page says a struck-off company can be restored within six years by court order. Its restoration guide does not state a time limit for the administrative route. We check which applies to your company before you commit to a route.
What ACRA asks of an administrative applicant
The applicant completes declarations on the company’s property, on lodgement of its company documents and on payment of outstanding fees. If the company’s property has vested in the Official Receiver, the Official Receiver’s written consent is needed as a supporting document. If you file for someone else, ACRA needs a letter of undertaking. On approval the company’s status returns to “live”.
What we do
- Establish how and when the company was struck off, which decides the route.
- Check the company’s position: outstanding annual returns and fees, property, and who the former position holders are.
- Catch up the books and filings through annual compilation so the declarations can be given truthfully.
- Prepare the application and supporting documents, or coordinate with your lawyer where a court order is needed.
- File on Bizfile and respond to ACRA’s queries.
- Bring the company back into compliance with company secretarial services, so it is not struck off again.
Example (illustration only)
ABC Pte Ltd was struck off by ACRA after two years of unfiled annual returns. Its former director wants to use the company again. We confirm the strike-off was ACRA-initiated, so the administrative route applies, list the outstanding returns and fees, prepare the declarations and supporting documents, and file. ACRA states it takes up to 60 days depending on complexity.
If you wanted the company closed instead
If you struck the company off on purpose and now need it restored, the route may differ. See strike-off and deregistration for how closing works.
Questions we get asked
Is there an ACRA fee? ACRA’s restoration guide lists the fee as $0. Court and lawyer costs, where a court order is needed, are separate.
How long does it take? ACRA states up to 60 days for administrative restoration and up to 15 working days for the court-order application, once the court order is in hand. Obtaining the court order takes its own time.
Who can apply? For administrative restoration, former directors or members of the company.
What if the company’s assets went to the government? If property has vested in the Official Receiver, written consent from the Official Receiver is a required supporting document.
What happens to the company’s name and status? On approval the status reverts to “live”.
Sources
- ACRA: Applying to restore a business entity
- ACRA: Striking off a local company (six-year statement, court order)
General information, not legal advice. Where a court order is needed, take legal advice.
Need a company restored?
Send us the company name or UEN and what you know about how it was struck off, and we will tell you which route to check first. Start the restoration conversation.