When a company gives security for a loan, such as a charge over its assets, the charge has to be registered with ACRA. We prepare and lodge the registration, record it in the company’s register, and file the satisfaction when the debt is repaid.
Last reviewed 17 October 2026. Source: ACRA.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 30 days for charges created in Singapore |
| Charges created overseas | 37 days applies to statements of particulars of charges and series of debentures |
| Pre-existing charge, company moving to Singapore | Within 30 days after the company redomiciles in Singapore |
| If not registered | The charge may become void against the liquidator and other secured creditors |
| Offence | Failing to register is a criminal offence; officers such as directors and secretaries may be fined up to $1,000 |
| Extension | A 30-day extension is possible only for a charge created overseas, by applying to ACRA under s 139. Otherwise a court order is needed |
| Repayment | File a satisfaction of charge when the debt is paid in whole or in part |
What the registration protects
If a charge is not registered in time, ACRA says the lender may not be able to claim the company’s assets ahead of the liquidator or other secured creditors. That is the lender’s concern first, and a reason banks usually ask for evidence of registration. For the company it matters at refinancing, sale and closure.
What we do
- Collect the loan or security documents and the key terms.
- Register the charge on Bizfile inside the 30 days.
- Update the company’s register of charges and keep the filing evidence.
- Track repayments and file the satisfaction of charge once the debt is paid in whole or in part.
- Check the register before changes that depend on it, such as a strike-off (ACRA requires no charges on the register) or a share transfer involving shares given as security.
Example (illustration only)
ABC Pte Ltd signs a term loan secured over its equipment on 3 March. The 30 days run from the date of creation of the charge, so the registration is lodged before early April. In September the loan is repaid in full, and we file the satisfaction so the register shows the charge discharged.
Questions we get asked
What if the 30 days have passed? For charges created in Singapore, the extension route ACRA describes is for overseas-created charges. Otherwise a court order is needed. We advise you on the next step; take legal advice where an order is needed.
Who files? We can lodge on the company’s behalf.
Is there an ACRA fee? We confirm the fee when we quote.
Do charges affect closing the company? Yes. ACRA’s strike-off criteria require no charges on the register.
These filings are part of our company secretarial work.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Take legal advice on late charges.
Managing company charges?
Send us the facility letter or security document, and we will confirm the registration deadline and prepare the filing. Talk to us about registering a charge.