Singapore Business Licenses & Permits: Requirements and How to Apply

Depending on the nature of your activities, you may need specific business licenses or permits before you can start a business in Singapore.

If you’re a business owner looking to understand which licenses or permits apply to you, this guide will walk you through the essentials:

✅ Common types of businesses that require licenses

✅ How to apply for a license or permit

✅ Industry-specific licenses in Singapore and where to get them

✅ What to do after you’ve obtained your license

Not every business in Singapore needs a license. However, certain types of businesses must obtain one before they can operate. Below are some of the common sectors that require licenses or permits:

This is not a complete list. To check if your business activities require a license, refer to the full list on Singapore’s Business Go page.

To legally operate a business in Singapore, you need the right licenses. The process involves 

1. Register Your Business – Choose a business structure and register with ACRA.
2. Prepare Documents – Gather ID, business registration, business plan, and any industry-specific certificates.
3. Apply for Licenses – Identify required licenses using Singapore Business Go platform, and submit applications online through the relevant authorities.

Before applying for a license, all businesses in Singapore must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You can select from various business structures, including:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd)

Registration can be completed online through the BizFile+ portal. The private limited company is the most commonly chosen structure due to its limited liability benefits.

No matter which business structure you choose, you will need a physical business address in Singapore. If you operate from home, you may be able to use your home address under the Home Office Scheme. Alternatively, a virtual office service can be used. 

For non-Singapore residents, it is generally required to have a local representative for a sole proprietorship, or a local director for a company. Foreign-owned companies could appoint a nominee director to meet regulatory requirements.

After your registration is approved, you will receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN). You will need this number when applying for various government services, including licenses.

Once your business is registered, you need to prepare the documents required for license applications. Typical documents include:

• ACRA business profile 
• Identification documents of business owners (NRIC for locals, Passport for foreigners)
• Business plan outlining operations, financial projections, and objectives

Depending on your industry, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Health and safety certifications
• Proof of premises suitability (for food, healthcare, or childcare businesses)
• Financial statements or bank references

The next step is to identify which licenses your business requires. You can search using the GoBusiness License Directory.

Applications are generally submitted online through the Singapore GoBusiness dashboard or relevant government agency portals, along with the applicable fees. 

Some of the common licensing authorities include

Each agency has its own application process and requirements, so it is important to follow guidelines carefully to ensure timely approval. In the next section, I will break down the process for acquiring some of the most common licenses.

In Singapore, the licenses you need as retailers depend on the products you sell. Each category has its own requirements from the relevant authorities. For example, 

• Selling liquor requires a Liquor License. Different licenses apply depending on hours of sale and whether consumption is on-site or takeaway.
• Selling cigarettes or other tobacco products requires a Tobacco Retail License from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
• Retailing prescription or medicines requires a Retail Pharmacy License from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
• Cosmetic products must comply with HSA’s Health Products Act, and you must notify HSA before selling them (HSA).
• Selling telecommunication devices, such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, or radio devices requires a Telecommunication Dealer’s License from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
• Selling second-hand goods that are in the controlled second-hand goods category, like watches, jewellery, or electronics, requires a Secondhand Goods Dealer License.
• Pet shops require a Pet Shop License from NParks’ Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
• Selling books, media, films, or video games may require a Film Distribution License or approval from IMDA.

A trading company is generally a business entity registered to trade goods. The licenses or permits you need depend on what you trade. Here are some common licenses and permits you may encounter when running a trading company:

• Licenses for Specific Goods: Certain products and commodities might be subject to additional regulations and licensing requirements. For example, suppose your trading company deals with controlled goods like tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, or certain chemicals. In that case, you'll need to apply for relevant permits from the specific government agencies that oversee these products.
• Import and Export: Singapore's import, export, and transhipment activities are controlled by Singapore Customs. To find out if you need a license for specific import/export products, search the details on the HS Code Checker to identify. If your product is controlled, the system will provide the Competent Authority (CA) product code, contact details, and recommended license(s).
• Customs Brokerage License: If your trading company plans to provide customs clearance services on behalf of other businesses, you might need to obtain a Customs Broker License from Singapore Customs.

Singapore has strict trade and business operations laws. Ensure your trading company adheres to all relevant regulations, including the Singapore Companies Act, the Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, and other industry-specific laws.

In addition, if you're dealing with intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, patents, or copyrights, you should consider seeking legal advice to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Employment agencies in Singapore must obtain an Employment Agency (EA) License issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Who Needs an EA License

Organisations or individuals placing job seekers with employers in Singapore need an employment agency (EA) license unless stated otherwise. You need a license if you 

▶️assist in placing jobseekers with employers

▶️communicate with jobseekers to process employment applications

▶️collect resumes or biodata to help secure jobs

▶️submit work pass applications for employers or jobseekers

This license does not apply if you recruit only for your own company or outsource your staff to client sites.

Requirements

Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents, hold a qualifying position (owner, director, or partner), have a principal activity registered with ACRA, have no prior convictions for dishonesty, and not be involved with a revoked EA license. 

Requirements can be checked using MOM’s self-assessment tool.

Where to Apply

Apply for an EA license via GoBusiness EA Licensing. You will need ACRA Business Profile and banker's guarantee documents, among other documents. Key appointment holders and personnel doing EA work may need the Certificate of Employment Intermediaries (CEI), which provides knowledge of employment laws and regulations, obtainable through enrolling in the MOM course. 

Fees: SGD 400 on application and SGD 100 on license issuance.

Hotels in Singapore must obtain a Hotel License under the Hotel Licensing Regulations to manage the hotel and Certificate of Registration to use premises as a hotel.  This license is issued by the Hotel Licensing Board (HLB). 

Who Needs a Hotel License

Any premises with 4 or more rooms offering paid accommodation with services by the owner, tenant, occupier, or manager must be licensed. This includes hotels, boarding houses, guest houses, and similar establishments. Hotels can only operate after receiving e-copies of licenses. Operating without them is illegal.

Requirements

The hotel must comply with various statutory requirements, building codes, fire safety regulations, and health standards set by the relevant authorities. Applicants must be an ACRA-registered company or business.

Where to Apply

Download forms on HLB website and submit applications via GoBusiness Dashboard between 1 January and 30 November each year.

Fees: SGD 250–1,450 depending on hotel size, plus SGD 150 per Hotel-Keeper’s License.

Spa need to apply for a Massage Establishment (ME) License, overseen by Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Who Needs an Massage Establishment (ME) License

Any premises offering massage services for relaxation or therapy, like massage, foot reflexology, manicure treatments, spa baths, or similar treatments, must be licensed unless exempted. 

Requirements

Applicants must be a registered business with a Unique Entity Number (UEN), meet staffing and certification standards, and obtain HDB and URA approvals where applicable. At least 80% of therapists must hold recognised professional certificates.

Where to Apply

Submit applications via the GoBusiness Dashboard. You’ll need Business registration, employee certificates, floor plan, and uniform photos, among other required documents. 

Fees: SGD 290 for a 1-year license to SGD 590 for a 3-year license.

Travel agencies in Singapore must obtain a Travel Agent License issued by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). This license allows them to offer travel-related services to customers legally.

Who Needs a Travel Agent License

You need a Travel Agent License if you

▶️Sell or arrange travel packages or transport for customers (e.g., flights, buses, trains, cruises), whether organised by themselves or others

▶️Reserve or buy tickets for resale to customers

▶️Provide similar travel-related services

Requirements

Applicants must register the business with ACRA and maintain a minimum paid-up capital and net value of SGD 50,000 to SGD 100,000, depending on the type of business (tours within Singapore or beyond). 

The company must appoint a Key Executive to run daily operations. This person should have experience managing travel-related businesses. 

Where to Apply

Applications can be submitted online via the Travel Agents and Tourist Guides Licensing System (TRUST).

Fees

• Application fee: SGD 200 (payable upon online submission)
• License fee: SGD 400 (payable upon approval)

Any company or individual engaged in real estate agencies or agency work in Singapore must hold a valid Estate Agent License issued by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).

Who Needs an Estate Agent License

All estate agents, whether individuals or business entities, are required to hold a license. This applies to anyone 

▶️ running a real estate business 

▶️ assisting clients with buying, selling, or renting property

▶️ advertising or promoting property services

▶️ acting as an estate agent in any capacity, regardless of whether payment is involved. 

Requirements

Applicants must have no criminal convictions and maintain good financial standing. They should possess approved educational qualifications, training, or relevant experience, have no associations with licensed moneylenders, and hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. Individuals must be at least 21

Where to Apply

Applications must be submitted by the appointed Key Executive Officer (KEO) via CEA’s online e-services (ACEAS). 

Fees

• Application or renewal fee: SGD 120
• Annual license fee: SGD 330–5,000, depending on agency size and number of salespersons

All food establishments, including restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and food caterers, must obtain a license issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). There are several types of licenses depending on the nature of the business.

Who Need Licenses

• Food businesses preparing food for sale must obtain a Food Shop License. This covers bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, food courts, food vending machines, takeaway carts, and private canteens or markets.
• Food manufacturers or factories must obtain a License to Operate a Food Processing Establishment 
• Suppose the food and beverage business wishes to cater to Muslim customers. In that case, they may seek Halal certification from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) for their food products and premises.
• If the food and beverage business intends to serve alcohol on its premises or provide live entertainment, it will need to apply for a liquor license and entertainment license from the Singapore Police Force (SPF). 
  

Requirements

Requirements generally include maintaining clean and hygienic premises, ensuring proper food storage, and having staff trained in food hygiene. Specific standards may vary slightly for food shops, stalls, supermarkets, and other establishments. 

Where to Apply

Licenses can be applied for through the SFA e-Services portal .

Fees

A food shop license costs SGD 195. For a License to Operate a Food Processing Establishment, the application fee is SGD 147.20, and the annual license fee is SGD 260.

In Singapore, event management requires various licenses and permits depending on the specific event.

These can include 

• Arts Entertainment License: This license is required for organizing arts entertainment events, including plays, musical performances, dance shows, art exhibitions, variety shows, and pop/rock concerts.
• Public Entertainment License: To organize entertainment events (excluding arts entertainment events) that are accessible to the public, a public entertainment license is mandatory.
• Temporary Fair Permit: For organising set up with stalls to sell food or goods.
• Animal Exhibition License: An animal exhibition license is required if your event involves exhibiting animals or includes animal performances.

For more information, visit Singapore eAdvisor for organising events.

Depending on the type of publications you intend to produce, you may need to apply for a Media License from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This license is necessary for certain media-related activities, including newspapers, magazines, and certain digital content.

If you plan to publish books, journals, or periodicals, you may need to register for an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for your publications. These unique identifiers are essential for cataloging and distribution purposes.

Getting your license is just the beginning. To stay compliant:

• Follow regulations: Operate according to your license requirements.
• Keep records: Maintain proper business and employee records.
• Verify staff qualifications: Ensure employees hold any required certifications, such as professional service provider licenses, depending on your industry.
• Renew licenses: Licenses have an expiration date, usually 1, 3, or 5 years. They must be renewed on time to avoid fines or suspension, typically within a set period before expiry. 

For more information on renewing or amending your business license, visit GoBusiness License Renewal & Amendment.

Knowing the licensing rules is paramount for anyone seeking to establish and operate a business in Singapore. Complying with the specific regulations keeps your business legal, fosters consumer trust, and safeguards against potential penalties or closure.

Before applying for any business license in Singapore, you must first register your business with ACRA. For entrepreneurs looking to do this, Statrys’ Singapore company registration service can guide you through the entire process. Our service includes company registration with a registered address, a local company secretary, a local director, and other essential requirements, done 100% online.  

Once your company is registered, you can then apply for any specific licenses your business requires.