Can I use my home address to register for a business?

Yes, you can use your home address to register a business. HDB & URA introduced Home Office Scheme on 10th June 2003, so entrepreneurs can use their home address to register for business. You need permission from the HDB (Housing Development Board) if you are living in an HDB flat. In case you are living in a private property, you must seek permission from URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority).

You must also consider two important things before registering your home address as the office address :

• Your home address will become public information available to everyone. You will lose your privacy.
• A registered office must remain open every business day for at least five hours.

There are also certain restrictions and performance criteria for a home office. These include :

• You cannot hire more than two non-resident employees.
• You are not allowed to display any external business signage or advertisements.
• There should not be any smoke, dust, odor, noise, or anything that causes disturbance or inconvenience to the neighbors.
• Certain business activities are not permissible at a home address such as trading business, food & catering, manufacturing, sales & marketing, courier services, and beauty services.