All businesses, whether it’s a one-owner business or a multinational company, must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). However, certain individuals, professionals and organisations are exempted from registration.

Individuals Who Are Exempted
Individuals who do not need to register with ACRA include:

• licensed hawkers
• domestic craftsmen
• taxi drivers
• trishaw riders
• sampan men
• farmers
• private fish and prawn pond keepers

Professionals Who Are Exempted
Professionals such as lawyers, doctors and accountants do not need to register with ACRA as they are managed by their respective professional bodies.

Organisations Who Are Exempted
Organisations such as statutory boards, societies, mutual benefits co-operatives and charitable institutions that are set up by law also need not register.