How to Choose an SSIC Code for Company Registration
Your SSIC code selection during ACRA registration has downstream effects on licensing, tax incentives, and grant eligibility. Here is how to get it right the first time.
Why Your SSIC Code Matters More Than You Think
Many first-time founders treat the SSIC code field on BizFile+ as an afterthought. That is a mistake. The five-digit code you declare to ACRA does not just describe what your company does — it determines which regulatory obligations apply, which government grants you qualify for, and how agencies like IRAS assess your business profile. For a detailed walkthrough of the full incorporation process, see Emerhub's guide to company registration in Singapore.
Certain SSIC codes trigger mandatory licence requirements from MAS, SFA, or other agencies before you can operate.
Pioneer status, IP Development Incentives, and sector-specific reliefs are tied to specific SSIC classifications.
Enterprise Singapore grants like EDG and MRA reference your declared SSIC when assessing eligibility.
Step-by-Step: Selecting Your SSIC During ACRA Registration
Before logging into BizFile+, write down the single activity that will generate the majority of your revenue. If you are building a SaaS product, that is software development (62011), not IT consulting.
Use our SSIC search tool or browse the full classification hierarchy to find the most specific code. Always register with a 5-digit code, never a section or division level.
If your code falls under Section K (Financial Services), Division 56 (Food & Beverage), or Division 85 (Education), verify you have the required licences before commencing business.
If your business has a meaningful second revenue stream, declare it as a secondary SSIC code. Read our guide on primary vs. secondary SSIC codes.
Enter your selected primary and secondary SSIC codes during the incorporation filing on BizFile+. You can amend these later, but getting it right now saves time and filing fees. If you are still deciding on the right business structure, Emerhub's comparison of entity types in Singapore can help you evaluate your options.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Your SSIC Code
Selecting wholesale and retail trade (Section G) when you specifically sell electronics online. ACRA expects the most specific 5-digit code, such as 47919 for online retail.
A company doing both software development and IT consulting should declare both. Omitting the secondary code can affect grant applications where the secondary activity is the qualifying one.
Declaring a fintech SSIC code under Division 64 (Financial Services) when your product is still a consulting business triggers MAS scrutiny you do not need yet.
Another company may have registered under an older SSIC version or may have different revenue streams. Always verify the code against your own principal activity.
SSIC Codes That Require Additional Licences
Certain SSIC codes are linked to regulated industries. Registering under these codes does not automatically trigger enforcement, but commencing operations without the proper licence is an offence. Below are the most common regulated categories for new businesses in Singapore.
| Industry | SSIC Division | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services & Fintech | 64 | Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) |
| Food & Beverage Services | 56 | Singapore Food Agency (SFA) |
| Education & Tuition | 85 | Committee for Private Education (CPE) |
| Travel Agencies | 79 | Singapore Tourism Board (STB) |
| Employment Agencies | 78 | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
Popular SSIC Codes for New Businesses
Based on recent ACRA filings, these are among the most commonly selected SSIC codes for newly incorporated companies in Singapore.
| SSIC Code | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 62011 | Software Development | SaaS, mobile apps, custom software |
| 70201 | Management Consultancy (General) | Strategy, ops consulting |
| 46xxx | Wholesale Trade | Import/export, B2B distribution |
| Section J | Information & Communications | Tech companies, media, publishing |
For the full list of tech-related codes, see our tech startup SSIC guide.
Ready to Register Your Singapore Company?
Emerhub handles the entire incorporation process — from selecting the right SSIC code and preparing ACRA filings to appointing a nominee director and opening your corporate bank account. Let their team take care of the paperwork so you can focus on building your business.