Business Licenses and Permits in Singapore

Last updated: 10 November 2026

Key Takeaways

• Registering a company with ACRA doesn’t give you permission to trade. Regulated activities also need a licence from the relevant agency.
• Most business licences are applied for through the GoBusiness Licensing portal, using Corppass, Singpass or a foreign account.
• Licences depend on your activity. For example, a food shop licence from the Singapore Food Agency costs S$195 for one year and is not transferable.
• Operating without a required licence can lead to fines and closure, so check before you start trading.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need a licence or permit before you operate in Singapore. A business licence is an official document issued by the relevant government body, giving your company formal permission to carry on activities that are regulated under Singapore law.

Once you have registered your company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the next step is to check which licences and permits your business needs. Registering a company is separate from getting a licence: ACRA registration creates your legal entity, while licences are issued by the agency that regulates your industry.

Business licences and permits matter because:

• They allow the government to regulate business activities, ensure compliance with the rules and protect service and product quality.
• Operating without a required licence can lead to fines, closure and damage to your company’s reputation.

Types of Licences and Permits in Singapore

Requirements generally fall into three groups:

1. Activity-Based Business Licences

Some businesses must hold a licence before they start operating. Examples include food and beverage outlets, travel agencies, estate agents, hotels, education businesses, massage establishments and financial institutions. Each is regulated by a specific agency, and some activities need more than one licence.

2. Professional and Occupational Registration

Some professions require individuals to be registered or licensed by their own governing body before they can practise. Examples include doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects and pilots.

3. Trade and Import-Export Permits

Companies that import or export goods need permits for those shipments, and controlled or strategic goods need approval from the relevant competent authority.

Two or more licences can be required for the same business, so an industry-specific licence is not a substitute for any general requirement. Some licences also have extra conditions, such as a locally resident director or representative, so check the requirements on the licence page.

Common Licences by Industry

This table is a starting point. Requirements change, so confirm the licence and agency for your activity on the GoBusiness Licensing portal before you start.

Businesses That Need Industry-Specific Licences

Retail Business

Licensing requirements for retail businesses depend on what you sell. A retail shop sells goods directly to consumers. Two examples that need licences are:

• Pharmacies, which need a licence from the Health Sciences Authority.
• Telecommunications stores, which may need a dealer licence or permit from the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

Trading Activities

After incorporating a trading business in Singapore, importers, exporters and trading companies need to set up with Singapore Customs and apply for permits for their shipments. Timelines vary from a few days to several weeks. A permit is generally needed for:

• Importing or exporting goods
• Importing or exporting controlled goods
• Importing high-technology items
• Exporting, transhipping or transiting strategic goods

See also our guide to the import-export licence.

Running a Spa

To offer massage, foot reflexology, spa baths or similar services as a business, you need a Massage Establishment Licence, which is issued by the Singapore Police Force. You can only offer these services after you obtain it.

F&B (Food and Beverage) Business, Including Liquor Licences

Singapore is a food haven, but licensing is more complex for the food & beverage (F&B) industry.

To sell food or drinks in a restaurant, café, bar or similar outlet, you need a Food Shop Licence from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), applied for through GoBusiness. It costs S$195 and is valid for one year. The licence is tied to the premises and the licensee, and it cannot be transferred: a new owner must apply for a new licence. SFA reviews your application and layout plan and carries out checks on the premises before it approves the licence.

Other licences and certifications that may apply include:

• A liquor licence, if you serve alcohol (issued by the Singapore Police Force)
• Halal certification from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), under its Halal Quality Management System (HalMQ), if you want to be certified halal
• A trader’s licence from SFA, if you import fresh food products such as meat, fish, fruit or vegetables

Register for GST if your taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million. See also the cost of opening a café in Singapore.

Travel Agency

To start a travel agency in Singapore, you need a travel agent licence from the Singapore Tourism Board. There are two types:

• Niche licence: lower financial requirements, for agents who sell, arrange or advertise tours only within Singapore.
• General licence: higher financial requirements, for agents who do other activities, such as tours out of Singapore.

Real Estate Business

Estate agencies are regulated by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), which sets licensing requirements for estate agencies, requires estate agents to be registered, and sets industry rules. A real estate business must hold an estate agent licence from CEA.

Education, Including Childcare and Kindergartens

Requirements to start an education business depend on the type of institution:

• Schools and tuition or enrichment centres: under the Education Act, any place that provides education for 10 or more persons is a school and must be registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE) before it operates.
• Childcare centres and kindergartens: these are licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
• Private education institutions offering diploma-level or similar courses are regulated under the Private Education Act. Check the current regulator before you apply.

Publishing

Publishing activities such as printing and distributing newspapers can require permits and licences from IMDA, for example a newspaper permit or a printing press licence. Check with IMDA for the current requirements for your activity.

Hotel Business

To run a hotel or boarding house, you need a Hotel-Keeper’s Licence and approval from the Hotels Licensing Board. You may also need other permits for activities such as providing entertainment, playing copyrighted music or video, running a spa, selling tobacco or operating a swimming pool.

How to Apply for a Business Licence in Singapore

Most business licences are applied for through the GoBusiness Licensing portal. To apply:

• Find your licence by keyword or agency, or use the Business Intent search, which guides new businesses through a series of questions.
• Add the licence and proceed to apply. You will be asked to log in with Corppass (for businesses) or Singpass (for individuals). Foreign businesses and foreign individuals without Singpass can register for foreign accounts.
• Enter the general information and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Complete the application form for your licence.
• Attach the supporting documents.
• Submit your application and pay the fee.

Some agencies also run their own processes for certain licences, so check the licence page for any extra steps.

Conclusion

Setting up a company in Singapore is quick, but licences can take longer, so plan for them early. Check which agency regulates your activity, prepare your documents, and apply before you start trading. A corporate service provider can set up your company, Corppass and compliance so you are ready to apply, but confirm the licence requirements with the regulator for your specific activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence if I’ve registered my company with ACRA?

It depends on your activity. ACRA registration creates the company, but regulated activities such as running a food shop or a travel agency also need a licence from the relevant agency.

Where do I apply for a business licence?

Most licences are applied for through the GoBusiness Licensing portal. Some agencies have their own processes, so check the licence page.

Can foreigners apply for licences?

Foreign individuals and foreign organisations can register for GoBusiness accounts. Some licences have extra conditions, such as a local resident director or representative.

How much does a food shop licence cost?

S$195 for one year, issued by the Singapore Food Agency. The licence is not transferable, so a new owner needs a new licence.

What happens if I operate without a required licence?

You can face fines and be required to stop operating. Always check requirements before you start trading.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees and agencies are set by the relevant authorities and are subject to change. Verify current requirements on the GoBusiness Licensing portal and with the relevant agency before making decisions. HeySara accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.