# How to File a Director Resignation with ACRA in Singapore (2026)

> When a director resigns, the company must notify ACRA within 14 days — but you cannot let the company fall below one locally resident director.

_Updated 2026-07-09_

Source: /resources/director-resignation-singapore

**In short:** When a director resigns, the company must notify ACRA of the cessation within 14 days via Bizfile+. The company must still keep at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Singapore (section 145). A resignation that would leave the company without a local director may not be effective until a replacement is in place.

## How do I file a director’s resignation in Singapore?

A director’s cessation is filed with ACRA online through Bizfile+. The company must notify ACRA within 14 days of the resignation taking effect. You should keep the director’s written resignation letter and the board’s acknowledgement on the company’s records.

- Obtain the director’s written resignation letter stating the effective date.
- Note the resignation at board level and update the register of directors.
- Lodge the cessation via Bizfile+ within 14 days of the effective date.
- Confirm the company still meets the local resident director requirement (see below).

## Can a director resign if they are the only local director?

This is the key trap. Under section 145 of the Companies Act 1967, a company must always have at least one director ordinarily resident in Singapore. A resignation that would leave the company with no local director is problematic — the company should appoint a replacement resident director first, so the appointment and cessation are handled together. A director cannot use resignation to escape their statutory duties if it leaves the company non-compliant.

## What is the deadline and what happens if we miss it?

The 14-day notification deadline applies to cessations just as it does to appointments. Late filing can attract ACRA penalties and leaves the public register inaccurate. Keep the resignation letter and file promptly; confirm the current late-lodgement penalty for officer changes with ACRA before relying on specific figures.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do I have to notify ACRA of a director’s resignation?

You must notify ACRA of the cessation within 14 days of the resignation taking effect, filing online via Bizfile+.

### What if the resigning director is the only resident director?

The company must appoint a replacement locally resident director (section 145) so it never falls below one. Handle the appointment and resignation together.

### Who files the resignation — the company or the director?

Normally the company (through its corporate secretary or filing agent) lodges the cessation. In limited circumstances a director may notify ACRA directly if the company fails to do so.

## Sources

- [ACRA — Appointment and cessation of company officers](https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/appointment-and-cessation-of-company-officers)
- [ACRA — Bizfile+ portal](https://www.bizfile.gov.sg)
- [Companies Act 1967, s145 — Singapore Statutes Online](https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CoA1967?ProvIds=pr145-)

## Related

- [How to appoint a director (the 14-day rule)](/resources/appoint-director-singapore)
- [Nominee Director (glossary)](/resources/glossary/nominee-director)