How to Start a Tuition Business in Singapore
· 8 min read · By the TuitionCRM team
Going from "I tutor a few students" to "I run a tuition business" is mostly about three things: the right structure, the rules for bigger classes, and systems that don't fall apart when you grow. Here's what to know in Singapore.
Step 1: Decide what kind of business
| Model | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Home / online tutor | 1-to-1 and small groups, low cost | Travel time limits how many students you can take |
| Small group classes at home | Higher earnings per hour | Classes of 10 or more need MOE registration |
| Tuition centre | Teams of teachers, many classes | Rent, MOE registration, staff — see opening a tuition centre |
Step 2: Register a business name (if you want one)
Many tutors work as self-employed individuals. If you want to trade under a business name — "Bright Minds Tuition" — you register it with ACRA through Bizfile. A sole proprietorship is the simplest; a private limited company separates your personal and business finances but has more admin. ACRA's guide to choosing a business structure compares them.
Step 3: Check the MOE rule for 10 or more students
Under MOE's rules, private schools — including tuition and enrichment centres — must register with MOE if they offer education to 10 or more persons, along with their courses and teachers. If you're planning big classes or a centre, read MOE's page on registering a private school before you sign a lease. Our guide to MOE registration for tuition centres explains what counts as 10 and the steps.
Step 4: Set your prices and how you charge
- Per lesson — simplest for 1-to-1s.
- Monthly fee — steady income, common for group classes.
- Packages — e.g. 10 lessons paid upfront, counted down.
See how much to charge for tuition, and put your terms in a cancellation and make-up policy.
Step 5: Set up your systems before you grow
- Scheduling — repeating lessons, groups, holidays and exam dates. See tuition scheduling.
- Billing — invoices from lessons taught, with a PayNow QR. See tuition invoices with PayNow.
- Parent communication — reminders and one place for parents to check. See automatic reminders and parent pages.
- Money — income, expenses and a statement for tax. See income and tax for tutors.
Step 6: Hiring teachers
When you add teachers, each needs their own timetable and you need to see who teaches what. TuitionCRM's tuition centre plan gives every teacher a private schedule link — no logins to manage.
Step 7: Tax and CPF
Self-employed income is declared to IRAS each year, and self-employed people with net trade income above S$6,000 a year make MediSave contributions (CPF). Read our private tutor tax guide.
Common questions
Do I have to register with ACRA to be a tutor?
Many home tutors work under their own name without registering. Register if you want a business name for your tuition. ACRA's guide to choosing a business structure explains the rules.
Can I run tuition classes from my HDB flat or condo?
Small-scale home tuition is generally fine, but you can't turn your home into a tuition centre. Check HDB's rules on home-based businesses, or your condo's rules, before you take bigger groups.
How much does it cost to open a tuition centre?
The biggest costs are rent, renovation, furniture and teachers' pay, plus MOE registration. Start with a small space and a few classes, and grow as your classes fill.
When should I hire my first teacher?
When your own timetable is full and parents are waiting for a slot. Start with one part-time teacher for a subject or level you don't teach yourself.
Do I need business insurance?
It isn't required for a home tutor, but a centre should think about public liability insurance, and your landlord may ask for it. Speak to an insurer about what fits your setup.