13/08/2026
โI'm just running my business out of my flat; I don't need to register anything.โ ๐ค
Sound familiar? We hear this misconception all the time! Even if you operate from your living room, Singapore has specific rules you need to follow.
Depending on your hustle, youโll fall into one of two categories:
๐ป ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ: Best for consulting, design, or e-commerce. You can hire up to 2 non-resident employees, but strictly no client visits or signage.
๐ง ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ-๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ: Best for hands-on work like baking or crafts. Usually requires no prior approval, but ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ people who live in the flat can work there.
โ ๏ธ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต: Either way, you STILL need to register with ACRA and grab any special licences required for your industry!
Not sure which scheme fits your SME? Read our full breakdown here: ๐ ๐ https://www.lionsworld.com.sg/business-licences-permits-singapore/