This post is also available in: 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified))

Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Cleaning Business in Singapore

Many people today lead hectic lifestyles. Sometimes, they don’t have a free moment to themselves, and when they do, the last thing they want to do is spend that precious free time cleaning. Individuals are busy, companies are busy, and no one has time to properly carry out a thorough cleaning and sanitation of their homes or offices. This is where your cleaning business comes in to save the day.

Why would people need your cleaning business? Because a cleaning company has the tools and equipment needed to perform the kind of cleaning that is not usually done with a simple broom and mop bucket. Cleaning companies have industrial strength cleaning solutions that get the job done far better than anything you might buy off the shelf in the supermarket.

Starting a cleaning business in Singapore is a good idea because there will always be a need for such a business. People have homes that need to be cleaned, and businesses have office spaces that must be kept clean and sparkling. When they do not have the time to do it themselves, they will need your help.

Because company registration in Singapore is one of the easiest and most straightforward processes in Asia, many entrepreneurs are flocking to this region to launch the business of their dreams. If you are looking at starting a cleaning company in Singapore, then you have come to the right place. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for clean and sanitized spaces has boomed, and your business is sure to thrive because you will be in demand.

 

What Is a Cleaning Business in Singapore?

A cleaning company is a business that offers cleaning services to those who need them. This could be the general public or companies that need your services to perform cleaning duties at their homes or offices. A cleaning business could offer several service options that include cleaning homes, apartments, office spaces, commercial cleaning, and even janitorial cleaning options.

Once hired by homeowners or businesses, you would then send either an individual employee or a team of employees. This would depend on how big the cleaning job is and what your client specifically requested. Your business will be responsible for thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the establishment you have been hired for.

 

The Business Registration Procedure

There are two options you can go with when it comes to Singapore company incorporation. You can either choose to start your cleaning business from home, or you can start a traditional brick-and-mortar business. Either way, one requirement that you must meet is that your business must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Registering your business with ACRA is easy. All you have to do is go online and access BizFile, ACRA’s online platform. You will need a SingPass ID to do this. If you plan to run your business from home, you must register with the Housing and Development Board (HDB) too. You may find this option under the Home Office Scheme.

Once you have registered your business with ACRA, it is time to choose a company name and choose your business structure. When choosing your company name, it is important to do a quick check to make sure that name has not been taken. Check to make sure that the name is suitable and represents the nature of your business accurately. Our 3E Accounting specialists can help you with this. After that, it is time to prepare and draft your incorporation documents detailing the nature of your business activities.

You will need to prepare the details and particulars of the directors and shareholders of the company. If you are a foreign entrepreneur, you will need to submit a copy of your passport and your address as proof of residence. Once that is done, wait to receive your certificate of incorporation and then register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). You should also have enough funds to sustain your business for at least six to twelve months before you can turn a profit.

 

The Licenses and Permits Needed

To run your cleaning company in Singapore, you will need a cleaning service license. You may obtain this from the National Environment Agency (NEA) for $130. Your application may take up to 30 days to be approved and for your license to be issued. Once you have your license, it will be valid for a year. If you plan to renew your license, you must apply for a renewal 90 days before your license expires.

However, the NEA has certain requirements that you must meet before they issue you with a license. If you are submitting a new application, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• One employee (minimum( has two or more years of experience supervising cleaning duties; or
• One employee (minimum) must have completed the Environmental Cleaning (EC) training. This is a training module under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ); or
• One employee (minimum) must have attended and completed their training under the Technical Skills and Competencies (TSC) section. This can be found under the Skills Framework for Environmental Services.

You will also need to ensure that your company’s workforce attends at least one module that is under the Environmental Cleaning WSQ Framework. This is a requirement by the NEA. To get your license, you must also submit your number of employees and the progressive wage plan to obtain your license.

 

Are You Ready to Launch Your Future?

Ready to launch your future in Singapore? Let 3E Accounting, a trusted corporate service provider for decades, help you find your start. Our experts are skilled at all things incorporation and we will help you get your business up and running in no time.

For more information about our company incorporation services, contact us today.