No ACRA, No SFA Licence? Is Selling Food from Home in Singapore Actually Allowed?

Many Filipinos in Singapore sell packed lunches, cakes and kakanin through Facebook and WhatsApp. The question that comes up again and again: is it legal without ACRA registration or an SFA licence?

The short answer is that it depends. Business registration, food licensing, housing rules and work authorisation are four separate things. You can meet one and fail another.

Business registration

ACRA is Singapore's national regulator of business registration, financial reporting, public accountants and corporate service providers. Registration is generally required when you carry on business in Singapore.

Some sole proprietorships and partnerships may be exempt. Check the ACRA website for the current exemption criteria and fees before you decide.

Food licensing

SFA does not license every home cook. SFA has a dedicated page for home-based food businesses, and it lists which businesses currently do not need a licence or permit.

Higher-risk items and larger operations need a licence. SFA also expects basic food safety: clean surfaces, safe storage temperatures, no cross-contamination and proper labelling.

Read the current SFA home-based food business page for the exact list of allowed and prohibited items.

HDB and URA rules

HDB flats have their own Home-Based Small Scale Business Scheme. It allows some small home businesses, but it bans activities that cause noise, smell, traffic or safety issues, and it does not allow hiring outside staff or putting up signage.

Private properties fall under URA's Home-Based Business Scheme. The conditions differ from HDB's. Check both HDB and URA pages for the current rules before you take orders.

Work pass limits

This is where many Filipinos get caught. An Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit is tied to a specific employer and role. Selling food as a side business is generally not allowed without approval from MOM.

If you are a dependant pass holder, you may need a Letter of Consent from MOM before running a business. Check MOM's website for the current rules on side businesses and self-employment.

What to check before you accept orders

• Are you registered with ACRA, or do you qualify for the exemption?
• Does your food type need an SFA licence?
• Does your flat or condo allow this under HDB or URA rules?
• Does your work pass allow you to earn outside your job?
• Are you keeping basic food safety records?

Takeaway

Selling homemade Filipino food in Singapore is not automatically illegal. But it is also not automatically allowed. Check each of the four areas above against the official source before you post your menu. When in doubt, ask ACRA, SFA, HDB, URA or MOM directly.

Rules can change, so verify before you sell.