Types of trades allowed
If you are thinking of setting up a home office, you should be aware that there are some restrictions and criteria imposed to ensure a business is not a cause of annoyance to other residents. For example, business activities must not generate smoke, noise or other pollution. The display of external signboards and advertisements is also not allowed.
Here are some examples of home-based activities that are permitted in private residences and HDB flats:
Doing office work with a computer linked to the office network.
Sewing clothes to supplement household income.
Baking cakes on a small scale for sale to friends without turning the place into a bakery.
Conducting private tuition for not more than 3 students at any one time.
Hairdressing services to supplement household income, without employing any workers.
Freelance designer, journalist, photographer or writer operating at home, and not employing anyone else. Business activities cannot be conducted within the premises.
And here are some businesses not permitted under the Home Office Scheme:
- Maid or employment agency
- Contractors' businesses
- Car trading business
- Commercial music, dance, tuition or dressmaking school
- Courier business
- Manufacturing, preparation or processing of goods for sale
- Medical, dental or veterinary clinics
- Fortune telling
- Any form of retail activity
- Food catering or restaurants
- Setting up a home office in Singapore
