How to Change Primary Activity in Singapore Small Business

Changing your primary business activity isn’t just a matter of updating your website or telling your clients—it’s a formal process with specific requirements in Singapore. If your small business has shifted its focus or plans to explore new revenue streams, you’ll need to update your principal activity with ACRA to stay compliant.

This blog walks you through the steps to change your company’s primary activity, helping you stay on top of statutory obligations while keeping things simple and manageable. This is where corpsec services in Singapore come in handy—ensuring all statutory changes are properly filed and documented so your business stays compliant.

1. What Is a Primary Activity?

In Singapore, your company’s primary activity refers to the main business function that generates the majority of your revenue. It is officially recorded using a Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code.

You may have both a primary and secondary activity listed with ACRA, but the primary activity must reflect the core focus of your business operations. If your business shifts direction—for instance, from retail to logistics—it’s essential to update this information.

2. Why You Might Need to Change It

A change in primary activity might be necessary if your business:

• Launches a new product line or service that surpasses previous revenue streams

• Pivots into a different industry or niche

• Completes a merger or acquisition

• Wants to align better with tax and licensing requirements

Updating your SSIC code ensures that government records, tax assessments, and licensing conditions remain accurate and relevant.

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3. Step-by-Step: How to Change Primary Activity in Singapore

Here’s what you need to do:

3.1 Pass a Resolution

• First, your company’s directors or shareholders must pass a resolution approving the change in business activity.

• This resolution should clearly explain the reason for the change and how it aligns with the company’s direction.

3.2 Identify the Correct SSIC Code

• Look up the correct SSIC code that best reflects your new principal activity.

• The primary activity is the one contributing more than 50% of your revenue.

You can find the latest SSIC list on the official government classification database.

3.3 Notify ACRA Within 14 Days

• Log into the BizFile+ portal and file the change under “Change in Activity.”

• Provide the new SSIC code and updated business description.

• This must be done within 14 days of passing the resolution.

Note: Late submissions may incur a penalty of up to S$5,000.

3.4 Inform Other Relevant Agencies

Depending on your new business activity, you might also need to notify:

• IRAS – for updated tax classification

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – if sector classification affects foreign worker quotas

• Industry-specific regulators – for businesses in sectors such as finance, education, or healthcare

4. Why Corpsec Services Matter

Changing your business activity involves resolutions, deadlines, and government filings—things that must be done accurately and on time. Many Singapore small businesses rely on corpsec services to manage these tasks, avoiding errors and ensuring compliance.

Whether it’s updating your SSIC code, drafting resolutions, or filing with ACRA, having support from professionals with experience in corpsec services in Singapore can help your business avoid costly mistakes.

Summary

For any Singapore small business looking to change its primary activity, it’s important to go through the proper corporate and regulatory steps. This includes passing a board resolution, selecting the correct SSIC code, filing changes with ACRA within 14 days, and updating relevant authorities. While the process is straightforward, precision and timing are critical—making it beneficial to work with corporate secretarial support familiar with Singapore’s business landscape.

Try Counto’s Company Secretary service 

Running a company in Singapore can be challenging, but with professional support, it can be simple. Counto’s goal is to take away the complexities of compliance, and save you time and money throughout the year. To learn more, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our  contact form to get started.