Singapore Permits and Licenses Guide

a22162
Apr 2
4 min read

Updated: Apr 3

Singapore Business Permits and Licenses

Singapore Permits and Licenses Guide

Navigating the permit and license landscape in Singapore can be streamlined with the right guidance. Here's a breakdown of key information:

Key Points:

GoBusiness:
- This is a crucial online portal provided by the Singapore government. It serves as a one-stop resource for businesses to access government e-services and information, including details on licenses and permits.
- It's highly recommended to utilize GoBusiness to determine specific licensing requirements for your intended business activities.
ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority):
- Business registration is a fundamental step. Before obtaining specific licenses, you must register your business with ACRA.
- ACRA's BizFile+ portal is used for business registration.
LicenseOne:
- This online platform facilitates the application and management of various licenses from different government agencies.
Industry-Specific Licenses:
- The necessity of licenses varies significantly depending on the nature of your business. Here are some examples of sectors that often require specific licenses:
  - Food establishments (Singapore Food Agency - SFA)
  - Financial services (Monetary Authority of Singapore - MAS)
  - Retail (for specific goods like liquor and tobacco)
  - Tourism (Singapore Tourism Board - STB)
  - Animal related businesses (Animal & Veterinary Service - AVS)
Importance of Compliance:
- Failure to obtain necessary licenses and permits can result in penalties, fines, and even business closure.
- Staying updated on regulations and renewal requirements is essential.

General Application Process:

Research and identify the required licenses.
Gather all necessary documentation.
Submit applications through relevant online portals like GoBusiness, BizFile+, or LicenseOne.
Pay applicable fees.
Adhere to any inspections or further requirements.

It's important to understand that Singapore's business environment is highly regulated, and compliance with licensing requirements is crucial. Here's a more detailed look at key aspects:

Key Considerations:

Business Structure and Licensing:
- The type of business structure you choose (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company) can influence the licenses you need.
- ACRA's BizFile+ is essential for registering your business entity.
Industry-Specific Regulations:
- Certain industries have stringent regulations to ensure public safety and welfare. These include:
  - Food and Beverage (F&B):
    - The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) oversees food establishment licensing, with strict hygiene and safety standards.
  - Financial Services:
    - The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates financial institutions, requiring licenses for activities like banking, insurance, and investment management.
  - Healthcare:
    - The Ministry of Health (MOH) regulates healthcare providers, with licensing requirements for clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
  - Education:
    - Private education institutions are subjected to regulation from the commitee for private education (CPE).
  - Tourism:
    - The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) regulates travel agencies and tourist guides.
Online Portals and Resources:
- GoBusiness:
  - This portal is invaluable for determining which licenses are necessary for your specific business activities.
  - It provides access to application forms, guidelines, and information on relevant government agencies.
- LicenseOne:
  - This platform streamlines the application process for various licenses, making it more efficient for businesses.
Importance of Due Diligence:
- Always verify licensing requirements with the relevant government agencies.
- Regulations can change, so staying updated is essential.
Staying Compliant:
- It is very important to remember that not only obtaining the correct permits, but also maintaining those permits is very important. Many permits require regular renewal.
- Some permits also require regular inspections from governing bodies.

Where to Find Further Information:

GoBusiness Singapore:
- This website is the primary online resource for information on business licenses and permits.
- You can find detailed information on specific license requirements, application processes, and relevant government agencies.
Relevant Government Agency Websites:
- Websites of agencies like MAS provide detailed information on industry-specific regulations.
Singapore Tourism Board (STB):
- For information on tourist guide licenses, and other tourism related licensing.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA):
- For information related to food retail and food manufacturing licensing.

How Bestar can Help

Singapore Permits and Licenses Guide

Bestar plays a vital role in helping businesses navigate the complexities of Singapore's regulatory landscape. Here's a breakdown of how we can assist:

Key Areas of Assistance:

Navigating Regulatory Complexity:
- Singapore's business environment is highly regulated, and regulations can be complex and subject to change. Bestar can provide up-to-date information and guidance on relevant laws and regulations.
- They help businesses understand the specific licensing and permit requirements for their industry and activities.
Streamlining Application Processes:
- Applying for licenses and permits can be time-consuming and involve extensive paperwork. Bestar can streamline the application process, ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time.
- We can also liaise with government agencies on behalf of businesses, saving them valuable time and effort.
Ensuring Compliance:
- Maintaining compliance with regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and legal issues. Bestar can help businesses establish and implement compliance programs, ensuring that they adhere to all relevant laws and standards.
- We can also provide ongoing support to help businesses stay up-to-date with regulatory changes.
Risk Management:
- Bestar can help businesses identify and mitigate potential legal and regulatory risks.
- We can provide guidance on contract drafting, dispute resolution, and other legal matters.
Business Structuring and Planning:
- Bestar can advise on the optimal business structure for your operations, taking into account legal and tax implications.
- We can aid in business planning, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are factored into the business strategy.
Industry-Specific Expertise:
- Bestar specializes in specific industries, such as finance, healthcare, or food and beverage. This allows us to provide tailored advice and support that is relevant to the unique challenges and requirements of those industries.
Saving Time and Resources:
- By outsourcing the complexities of permit and license acquisition, and maintenance, businesses can focus on core business operations.