- Most Singapore businesses need no licence beyond ACRA registration
- Food, alcohol, travel and property firms need a sector licence
- Licences are applied for on GoBusiness, which is merging with GoBusiness Licensing
- GST registration is not a prerequisite to start trading
Business license Singapore requirements depend on what you sell, and most start-ups need less than they expect. After company registration in Singapore with ACRA, only certain regulated industries need an extra licence. This guide shows which ones, and how to apply.
Singapore business licence requirements at a glance
General business registration: Register the business with ACRA where required. Registration alone does not authorise every regulated activity.
Sector-specific licences: Required when the business activity falls under a licensing regime. The responsible regulator depends on the activity.
Where to check: Use GoBusiness to identify relevant licences and application routes, then confirm the conditions with the responsible agency.
Licence fees: Depend on the licence, premises and business activity. Some licences have annual or recurring fees.
Before trading: Check whether your activity, premises, products or services require approval before you begin operating.
Last checked: 21 October, 2026
Do you need a licence to start a business in Singapore?
Do I need a licence to start a business in Singapore? For most businesses, no general trading licence exists. You register your business or company with ACRA, then add a sector licence only if your activity is regulated.
Singapore business permits are issued by the agency responsible for each sector, not by one central body. That is why a café, a travel agency and a property agency each face different rules.
If you are unsure which business licence Singapore agencies expect, check the agency that governs your industry before you spend money on stock or premises. The same applies to any business permit Singapore regulators issue for a specific activity.
Which licences apply to which industries?
The table below gives the typical regulator for common Singapore business permits. Treat it as a starting point, and confirm the exact licence and conditions with the agency.
Business activity | Licence or check | Regulator | Fee and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical café or restaurant | Food Shop Licence | S$195/year; check current processing steps | |
Food stall | Food Stall Licence | SFA | S$32/year or S$64 for two years |
Home-based food business | Check applicable home-based food rules | SFA | No SFA food retail licence currently required; other rules may apply |
Selling alcohol | Appropriate liquor licence | Depends on licence type | |
Travel agency | Travel Agent Licence, if applicable | STB | Verify current fee and processing time |
Property agency | Estate agent licensing requirements | CEA | Verify entity and individual requirements |
Employment agency | Employment agency licence, if applicable | MOM | Verify applicable licence category and fee |
Importing or exporting goods | Customs account activation and applicable trade permits | Depends on goods and transaction | |
Medical or healthcare services | Applicable healthcare services licence | Depends on the service and licence | |
Financial services | Applicable financial services licence or exemption | Depends on regulated activity | |
Telecommunications and media | Applicable telecommunications, broadcasting or other sector licence | IMDA | Depends on activity |
Electricity, gas or district cooling | Applicable industry licence, where required | EMA | Depends on the regulated activity |
Which licence do cafés, restaurants and bars need?
A food shop licence Singapore cafés and restaurants need comes from SFA, and SFA lists a fee of S$195 for one year. It covers an independent outlet that sells food or drinks at retail, while a stall inside a larger food shop needs a different licence. Anyone who supplies liquor, whether by selling, serving or delivering it, needs a liquor licence for each premises, which is the business permit Singapore police issue for alcohol.
Working from home has its own rules, covered in our home-based business licence tips. Financial services follow MAS rules, explained in licensing of financial institutions.
How do you apply for a business licence on GoBusiness?
Licence applications are completed on GoBusiness Licensing, which is being merged with the wider GoBusiness platform. Complete new applications on GoBusiness Licensing for now, and update any saved links to the main GoBusiness website.
- Register your business or company with ACRA first.
- Log in to GoBusiness with your business login.
- Search for your activity and select the licence it needs.
- Submit the application and supporting documents.
- Track the status and pay any fee that applies.
Each business licence Singapore agencies issue has its own fee and timeline. For a food shop, SFA first gives in-principle approval, usually within about 7 working days, then inspects the premises before the licence is issued.
What do you not need before you trade?
You do not need GST registration to start trading. GST registration becomes compulsory only when taxable turnover passes S$1 million, and you can register earlier on a voluntary basis through our GST registration service.
Not needing a general business licence does not mean every business can start trading without additional approvals. Your requirements depend on what you sell, how you operate and whether your activities fall under a regulated category. Before you start trading, check the following:
| Question | What you should check |
|---|---|
| Do you sell food online? | Whether your business model falls under SFA’s current licensing rules. |
| Do you import products? | Whether your products require an import licence, permit or registration. |
| Do you sell regulated products? | Whether product-specific restrictions or approvals apply. |
| Do you operate from home? | Whether home-based business rules, premises restrictions or other approvals apply. |
| Do you employ staff? | Whether additional employment-related obligations apply alongside your business licensing requirements. |
If you’re unsure which requirements apply, check with the relevant regulator before committing to premises, importing stock or accepting your first customer.
Keep records from day one with bookkeeping services, because regulators often ask for evidence when they inspect.
Should you register your company before applying for a licence?
Usually yes, because many licences are applied for in the name of your business or company. SFA, for example, requires a company that employs foreign workers to hold the food shop licence in the company’s name. Choosing the structure early saves you from reapplying later, so compare sole proprietorship vs Pte Ltd before you file.
The ACRA fee for a Pte Ltd is S$315, made up of S$15 for name reservation and S$300 for incorporation. Our cost of company registration in Singapore guide covers the full picture. Foreign founders can also register a company as a foreigner, and a corporate secretary service keeps the company compliant after you start.
How Sleek helps with business license Singapore
Sleek incorporates your company, appoints your corporate secretary and keeps your books, so you are ready to apply for any sector licence you need. Tell us what you plan to sell, and we will point you to the agency to check before you trade. That keeps your business license Singapore plan clear from day one.
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FAQs on business license singapore
Is there a fee for a business licence in Singapore?
Fees depend on the licence and the agency. A food shop licence Singapore SFA issues, for example, lists a S$195 fee for one year, while other licences charge different amounts. Check the licence page on GoBusiness for the current figure.
Do I need a licence for an online business in Singapore?
So, do I need a licence to start a business in Singapore online? Most online businesses need only ACRA registration. You need a licence if you sell regulated goods or services, such as food, alcohol or financial products.
How long does a licence application take?
Processing times vary by agency and by how complete your application is. For a food shop, SFA’s in-principle approval usually takes up to 7 working days, and the remaining steps depend on your renovation, documents and payment.
Do I need to register my business with ACRA before applying for a licence?
In many cases, business registration is a prerequisite, but requirements depend on the licence and business activity. Check the relevant regulator’s eligibility rules before applying. For example, SFA allows eligible individuals and ACRA-registered entities to apply for certain food retail licences.
Do business licences in Singapore need to be renewed?
Renewal requirements depend on the licence. Some licences have fixed validity periods and renewal procedures, while others follow different arrangements. Check the relevant regulator’s renewal requirements and keep track of expiry dates.
