Selling from home in Singapore: the rules
Last updated 27 October 2026
A short guide for anyone in Singapore who wants to sell food, bakes or a service from home. It sums up what the government agencies say and links to them. It is not legal advice, and the rules change, so check the agency page before you rely on any line here.
In short. A home-based food business does not currently need an SFA food licence, but it must follow SFA's food safety rules and your housing scheme's conditions. Services like tuition, hair and nails have their own limits. You, not Kaya, are responsible for holding whatever your trade needs.
Do I need a licence to sell food from home?
Does a home-based food business need an SFA licence?
At the time of writing, no. SFA says home-based food businesses do not currently need a food retail licence, because their scale of operation carries lower food safety risk. They still have to follow SFA's food safety rules. Read SFA's requirements for home-based food businesses.
What can't a home food business do?
SFA's list includes catering, selling to licensed food retailers such as cafes and hawker stalls, selling at temporary fairs, and selling ready-to-eat raw seafood such as sashimi or oysters. Ingredients must come from legal, licensed sources, not from another home business.
Do I need a food hygiene course?
SFA points home food businesses to the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 and to its food hygiene guidelines. Check SFA's page for what is expected of you today.
Is a home-based business the same as a business that needs a licence?
No. Some trades need a licence from the agency that regulates them, whatever the scheme. If you are unsure, the GoBusiness licensing guide lists them.
Is it allowed in my flat?
Is a home-based business allowed in an HDB flat?
Yes, under HDB's Home-Based Business Scheme, for small-scale businesses without non-resident employees. Examples HDB lists include food preparation, hairdressing and beauty services (excluding massage), private tuition for no more than three students at a time, and sewing. Massage and animal-related services such as pet grooming and boarding are not allowed. See HDB's page on home businesses.
What conditions apply?
HDB says the business must not disturb neighbours with noise, smoke, odour, dust, litter or heavy traffic, and must not use heavy equipment not meant for home use. Only owners, registered occupants or tenants may run it, and signs or posters advertising it may not be put up at the home. There are fire safety expectations too, such as a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in the business area.
What about a private property or a different scheme?
Private homes fall under URA's rules instead, and a business that has customers visiting needs the right scheme. The GoBusiness guide to choosing a home business scheme walks through it.
Do I have to register my business?
Business registration is generally required for ongoing profit-making activity, unless you are exempt, for example by trading under your full NRIC name. Check with GoBusiness or ACRA for your case.
Selling on Kaya
What does Kaya ask for?
To publish a shop you need an address, at least one item, a PayNow number or UEN, and a verified phone number. We don't review listings before they go live and we don't inspect anyone's home, so the licences and approvals above stay your responsibility.
Do I have to put my home address on my listing?
Only your block and street. Your unit number goes only to a seeker whose payment you've confirmed, and only if you collect at your own door. Choose the void deck or a lift lobby and nobody gets it.
Can I add a halal or food hygiene badge?
Yes, if you hold the certificate. We check a food hygiene, business registration or halal certificate before its badge appears, and it disappears when the certificate expires.
What does it cost?
Nothing while we grow. See the FAQ for how it works.
Ready to start? List your business.