Singapore Business Licenses & Permits Guide

Retail

Even in the retail industry, there are different licensing requirements based on the products sold. For instance,

• Liquor – issued by the Liquor Licensing Board
• Pet Shop – issued by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)
• Pharmacy – issued by the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore
• Telecommunication – issued by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA)

Construction

Starting a business in the construction industry can be a challenge with the requirements of applying for numerous business licenses and permits by different authorities. More importantly, you will need to be registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for work permits before hiring.

Trading

Obtaining your import and export permits via TradeNet will be the next step after incorporation. If you plan to trade products such as vegetables, films, pharmaceuticals, or video games, there is another set of licenses to apply for.

However, there are some prohibited and controlled goods that cannot be imported into Singapore.

Spa

With more Singaporeans pampering themselves as travel is limited, spa services can be a lucrative sector to venture into. In order to do so, you will need a Massage Establishment License to offer services like foot massages, manicure treatments, and other related services.

Financial Services

Thinking of setting up a fund management or securities business? The Capital Market Services License will be required, except for selected entities such as banks, individuals who are employees of banks, and more. If you’re incorporating as a financial advisory firm, then a Financial Adviser License is needed.

Read the full guide on obtaining business licenses in the financial services!

Food & Beverages

Opening a restaurant or F&B establishment will require business owners to apply for the Food Shop License from the National Environment Agency (NEA). If you’re a Halal establishment, you can attain the certification from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

Certain licenses and permits may or will be required depending on the nature of your F&B establishment. These include a Liquor License, Halal Certification, Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, and a License for Importing Food Ingredients, among others.

Publishing

Another industry that requires quite a number of business licenses is the publishing industry. Examples of licenses to apply for include Newspaper Permit from Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for newsletters printing and publishing, Printing Press License for operating a printing press, and more.

Shipping

Habour Craft License is required for shipping companies to operate their vessels within Singapore’s port, and Port Clearance Certificate will be needed for operating beyond Singapore’s borders. Other business licenses include Ship Registration Clearance, Port Limit Manning License and more.

Employment agency

All employment agencies in Singapore need an Employment Agency License before starting business activities. This is irrespective of whether the agency is based in Singapore or overseas and regardless of whether it deals with jobs in Singapore or abroad.

Travel agency

A travel agency license is required to conduct business as a Singapore travel agent. All applications are to be filed online and you must declare any shareholdings in other travel agencies. The authorities will respond by sending an In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter via postal mail. The IPA letter may contain conditions that need to be fulfilled before the final approval is given.

Private education business

There are certain mandatory licenses that one needs to obtain in order to set up an educational establishment in Singapore. The specific licenses needed depend on the type of education establishment you are planning to set up. All private organizations and establishments providing education to 10 people and above must register with either the Ministry of Education (MOE) or the Council for Private Education (CPE).