Finding out your company has been “Struck Off” the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) register can be a shock. Whether it was a voluntary striking-off that you now regret or an ACRA-initiated action due to missing annual filings, the legal entity essentially ceases to exist.
However, in 2026, the law provides two primary pathways to bring a defunct company back to “Live” status. At Hallmark Corporate Services, we specialize in navigating these complex regulatory corridors to restore your business operations and assets.
1. Administrative Restoration via ACRA
This is the faster, more cost-effective “fast-track” route introduced under Section 344D of the Companies Act. It allows former directors or shareholders to apply directly to the Registrar without going to court.
- Eligibility: Only former directors or shareholders can apply.
- Conditions: The company must have been struck off by the Registrar (not voluntarily) and must have been in operation at the time of striking off.
- Requirements: You must settle all outstanding ACRA penalties, file all overdue Annual Returns, and ensure all tax matters with IRAS are cleared.
- The Benefit: It is purely administrative and avoids the legal fees associated with a court hearing.
2. Court-Ordered Restoration
If your company does not meet the strict criteria for administrative restoration—or if you were the one who voluntarily applied for striking off—you must take the judicial route under Section 344(5).
- Who Can Apply: Any “aggrieved person.” This is a broad category in 2026 that includes former directors, shareholders, and even creditors who need the company restored to recover debts.
- The 6-Year Rule: The application to the High Court must be made within 6 years of the date the company was struck off.
- The “Just” Requirement: The court must be satisfied that the company was either carrying on business at the time of striking off or that it is simply “just” to restore it (e.g., to recover a frozen bank account or settle a legal claim).
3. The Restoration Process: Step-by-Step
Once you decide to revive your entity, the 2026 process follows these high-level steps:
- Legal Assessment: Determine if you have the locus standi (legal standing) to apply.
- Clear Outstanding Liabilities: You cannot restore a company while owing the state. You must clear all IRAS tax debts and ACRA fines first.
- Lodge the Application:
- For Administrative: Submit via BizFile+ with the required reasons and documents.
- For Court-Ordered: File an Originating Application in the High Court. Once the Court Order is granted, it must be lodged with ACRA via BizFile+.
- Update Statutory Records: Once the status returns to “Live,” you have a short window to appoint a resident director and a company secretary to maintain your standing.
4. Why Revive Instead of Incorporating New?
In 2026, many founders choose restoration over a new setup for three reasons:
- Asset Recovery: Frozen bank accounts, property, or Intellectual Property (IP) owned by the struck-off company can only be accessed once the entity is revived.
- Contractual Continuity: If you have ongoing litigation or long-term contracts, reviving the entity preserves those legal rights.
- Brand History: Keeping your original UEN (Unique Entity Number) and incorporation date maintains the “vintage” and credibility of your brand for investors.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Assets Stay Frozen
Restoring a struck-off company is a race against the 6-year clock. Whether you are a director looking to restart operations or a creditor seeking to recover funds, the 2026 regulations require a precise, document-heavy approach.
At Hallmark Corporate Services, we can ensure your path from “Struck Off” to “Live” is seamless and compliant.
Has your company been struck off for more than a year? Would you like a 2026 feasibility study to see if your entity qualifies for administrative restoration?