All You Need To Know About Business Licence Procurement in Singapore

Created On: August 11, 2018
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Modified On: January 20, 2026

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Singapore attracts companies, startups and entrepreneurs from all the corners of the world owing to its robust business environment and trade-friendly policies. If you are looking to set up your business here, we present to you a guide on the types of licences, the licences applicable for your business and the permits required from the Singaporean government before the conduct of your business. Let’s read on.

What Are The Different Types of Licences?

Depending on your business type, there are three different types of licences.

Compulsory Licences

As the name suggests, this licence is mandatory and must be obtained even before you can begin conducting your business operations. For example, if you plan to set up a child care establishment, you need to first obtain a child care centre licence before you can commence any operations.

Occupational Licences

This licence is to be procured by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, architects and accountants. One cannot begin with their practice if they have not procured such occupational licence beforehand.

Business Activity Based Licences

These licences are business-specific and not required by all types of business corporations. For example, if you are setting up a convenience store, you first need to obtain a liquor licence if you intend to sell liquor in your store.

What Are The Different Types of Licences?

In Singapore, most of the business enterprises do not need to obtain permits from governmental agencies or a business licence. However, for that, their company registration must have been filed and approved by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA is Singapore’s Registrar of Companies. There are certain entities that require State approval before they can commence their business operations. They fall under more stringent rules and have to obtain prior permits and licences to function effectively.

Following are some industry-specific licences for which you need to take special permits from the government of Singapore before you can begin your business operations:

1. Retail Business

As far as Retail Business is concerned, the licence requirements depend on the products or services being sold to the public.

Supermarket retailers require a supermarket licence as per the Environmental Public Health Act. This licence ensures that raw as well as cooked food supplies confirm with the food hygiene standards set as per the act.
Telecommunication retailers are required to procure a Dealer’s Class licence from the Infocommunications Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and notify them about the intended retail outlets and their location.
Chinese Proprietary Medicine retailers need to procure from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HAS) a Wholesale Dealer’s Licence for Chinese Proprietary Medicine (CPM).
A certificate of registration from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) is mandatory for retailers of drugstores or pharmacy.
A cosmetic products notification is required to be procured by retailers of cosmetic products from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore.
A liquor licence is required to be procured from Liquors Licensing Board by the liquor retailers.

2. Food and Beverage Business

If you are interested in setting up your own restaurant or any enterprise related to food and beverages, following are some licences that you may require:

A food shop licence must be procured from the National Environment Agency (NEA) for retail of food and beverage products. This is a mandatory requirement under the Environmental Public Health Act.
You require a registration number with the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) if you wish to import processed food products or food appliances.
If you sell liquor and tobacco as part of your F & B business, then you will require additional liquor and tobacco licences for their retail sale

3. Travel Agency

If your business is covered under Section 4 of the Travel Agents Act, you must procure a Travel Agent’s licence with the Singapore Tourism Board. Section 4 basically covers the sale or arranging of tour packages and selling of tickets.

4. Child Care Centre

Those looking to establish a child care centre must file their application for a child care licence with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

5. Educational Institution

Registration with the Ministry of Education and Council for Private Education is required if you wish to set up an academic school. Other recommended certifications include EduTrust and Singapore Quality Class (SQC) certifications.

6. Employment Agency

You must obtain a licence from Employment Agency License from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if you are seeking to set up a job placement organization or recruit labourers.

Get in touch with us if you are interested in Singapore company formation and our team of experts would be happy to assist you.

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All You Need To Know About Business Licence Procurement in Singapore

What Are The Different Types of Licences?

What Are The Different Types of Licences?

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