Construction & Property SSIC Codes

Singapore's built environment sector spans two distinct SSIC sections. Construction activities fall under Section F (Construction), which covers everything from building residential HDB blocks to laying MRT tunnels. Real estate activities sit under Section L (Real Estate Activities), covering property development on a fee or contract basis, agencies, valuers and property managers.

Getting the distinction right matters because the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) ties licensing and grading requirements directly to your registered SSIC code. A company registered under Division 41 (Construction of Buildings) faces different regulatory obligations than one registered under Division 68 (Real Estate Activities), even if both are involved in the same development project.

If you are new to the SSIC system, read our complete SSIC guide first to understand how the five-digit codes work before selecting your construction or property code.

Need help with the incorporation process? our team's company registration service can assist with setting up your construction or property business in Singapore.

Division 41 is the starting point for most construction companies. The three primary five-digit codes under this division cover the vast majority of building work carried out in Singapore:

BCA requires contractors under Division 41 to hold a valid contractor registration under the appropriate workhead. Your BCA grade (C1 through A1) determines the maximum contract value you can take on, so ensure your SSIC code aligns with the workhead categories you intend to bid for.

For a comprehensive overview of the licensing requirements for construction businesses, see our team's guide to Singapore business licences.

Division 42 covers infrastructure and heavy engineering work. In a city-state where land reclamation, tunnel boring and expressway construction are ongoing national priorities, this division is particularly significant.

Key activities include road and rail construction, bridge building, marine and coastal works, utility installation (water, sewage, gas, telecommunications) and land reclamation projects. Companies working on LTA rail projects, PUB water infrastructure or JTC industrial developments typically register under Division 42.

Civil engineering firms also need BCA registration, but under civil engineering workheads (CW01, CW02, etc.) rather than building workheads. The SSIC code you select should reflect the type of infrastructure work you perform most frequently.

Division 43 is where most specialist subcontractors belong. This division captures the trades that form the backbone of any construction project — plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, painting, tiling and demolition work.

Specialist contractors under Division 43 register with BCA under specialist workheads (ME01 for electrical, ME02 for air-con, etc.). Licensed electricians also need an EMA licence. If your firm handles both general building and specialist trades, consider whether you need a secondary SSIC code to accurately reflect your operations.

This is one of the most common points of confusion. A property developer that builds and sells residential units might think they belong under Division 41 (construction), but in many cases Division 68 is more appropriate. The distinction hinges on whether the company physically constructs the buildings or manages the development process by appointing contractors.

Real estate agencies and property management companies register under Division 68. The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) regulates property agencies and requires both the agency and individual agents to hold valid licences.

Architectural and engineering consultancy firms that support construction projects are classified separately under Section M (Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities), specifically Division 71. Quantity surveyors, structural engineers and architects should look there instead.