If you’re starting a marketing business in Singapore, one of the things you’ll come across during registration is something called the SSIC code. It might sound technical at first, but it’s really just the way Singapore categorizes businesses based on what they do.
Let me break it down in a simple and practical way, especially if you’re in marketing, branding, digital ads, or anything similar.
What’s an SSIC Code (And Why It Matters)?
SSIC stands for Singapore Standard Industrial Classification. It’s a five-digit code you choose when you register your business with ACRA (the authority that handles business registrations here).
This code tells the system (and government) what your business mainly does. It helps with things like:
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Licensing (some types of businesses need extra approvals),
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Eligibility for grants,
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Official records,
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And even just helping people understand what your company’s about.
️ So… What Category Is “Marketing” Under?
Marketing is quite broad, right? There’s content creation, branding, advertising, consulting, social media, and more.
Here are some common SSIC codes that marketing-related businesses usually fall under:
| SSIC Code | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| 73100 | Advertising – this includes ad agencies, creative services, placing ads online or in media, media buying |
| 70201 | PR and marketing consultancy – if you advise clients on branding, marketing strategy, or campaign planning |
| 73201 | Market research – useful if you do surveys, data collection, or audience insights |
| 70209 | General consultancy – a broader option if you do marketing coaching or digital strategy work |
| 62022 | Software for interactive digital media – for businesses creating marketing tech tools or platforms |
Which One Should You Choose?
The best one depends on your main activity. For example:
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If you run paid ads, create visuals, or handle client campaigns, 73100 (Advertising) is your go-to.
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If you’re a marketing coach, consultant, or brand strategist, 70201 or 70209 might fit better.
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If you help clients understand their audience through data and research, then 73201 makes sense.
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If you’re building marketing software, apps, or content platforms, 62022 might apply.
Even if you do multiple things, just pick the one that best represents your core service. You can also list a secondary activity during registration.
Real Talk: Does It Really Matter?
Yep, it does — more than people realize. Choosing the right SSIC code:
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Keeps you aligned with legal/licensing stuff,
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Makes your company look legit to partners or clients,
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And can even affect your grant applications.
It’s not the end of the world if you get it slightly off, but it’s good to start right.
More Advice?
If you’re not sure, start by writing out what your business does in one sentence. Then match that to one of the codes above. Or even better, search for your keywords using SSIC code finder tools online — they’re super handy.
Need help figuring it out for your specific business? Share a quick line about what you do, and I can help point you to the best match.
