How to Apply For a Food Shop Licence in Singapore

Opening a new food shop in Singapore involves several crucial steps to ensure your business complies with local regulations and standards for food safety and hygiene. Food shops include establishments such as a takeaway kiosk, snack counter, restaurant, etc.

This guide provides a walkthrough for small business owners, SMEs, and entrepreneurs on how to navigate the application process for a Food Shop Licence, ensuring a smooth start to your culinary venture.

Introduction to Food Shop Licence

A Food Shop Licence is mandatory for any retail food outlet in Singapore where food and beverages are sold. The licensing process, governed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), aims to ensure cleanliness, food safety in retail outlets, and prevent food-borne illnesses.

What are the requirements for applying for a food shop licence in Singapore? 

1. Eligibility of Applicant:

• The applicant must be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident for an individual application.
• For a company, the applicant must be a registered business entity with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).

2. Required Documents:

• ACRA business profile 
• Personal details of the applicant (name, NRIC, date of birth, contact info)
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificates for all food handlers
• Tenancy agreement/contract for the premises
• Approval from relevant land use agencies (URA, HDB, etc.) for the premises
• Layout plan of the food shop premises
• Cleaning program document
• Pest control contract

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3. Application process

Before you can start setting up your food shop, obtaining an In-Principle Approval (IPA) is essential. This initial step involves several key actions:

• Apply online through the GoBusiness Licensing portal
• Submit Required Documents: These include a detailed layout plan showing kitchen equipment, boundaries of the refreshment area, and the scale used in the layout plan.
• Review Process: If your application is complete and correct, you’ll receive the IPA within 7 working days. Incomplete applications will be rejected, and you’ll need to reapply.

4. Commence Renovation

Once you have the IPA, you can start renovating your premises according to the approved plans. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for a compliant and efficient food service operation.

5. Request for Inspection

After completing the renovation, you must request an inspection to ensure everything complies with the submitted plans. Inspections can be conducted virtually via Zoom or through photo submissions, depending on the requirements stated in your IPA.

• Virtual Inspections: Book your pre-licensing inspection slot at least 5 working days in advance.
• Photo Submissions: If required, submit photos of the completed premises to the SFA via email.

6. Complete Payment and Obtain Licence

Following a successful inspection, you will receive a notification to make the final payment for your licence

• The annual licence fee is $195.
• Payment Process: Complete the payment within 28 days to avoid your application lapsing.
• Commence Business: Once payment is made, and for those with an existing GIRO arrangement with SFA, you can start your operations immediately. Others will need to wait until the payment is processed.

7. Other Requirements:

• At least one food hygiene officer is required for certain types of food businesses like restaurants, caterers, and food courts.
• You are allowed to hire foreign workers if the licence is under a company, but not if it’s under an individual’s name.

☞ The key is to ensure you have all the required documents ready and comply with the hygiene and safety standards set by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) before applying for the licence.

Mandatory Environmental Sanitation Programme

Selected retail food shops must implement the Environmental Sanitation Programme (ESP) and submit it to NEA within one month. This step is crucial for maintaining standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Common FAQs

1. How long does it take to receive the IPA?

Typically, within 7 working days if all documents are correct and complete.

2. What happens after the IPA is issued?

You may start your renovation and prepare for the pre-licensing inspection.

3. When can I start operating?

After completing all pre-licensing requirements, making the final payment, and receiving approval from SFA.

4. What are the common reasons for a food shop licence application to be rejected?

Some potential reasons for rejection could be:

• Incomplete or missing required documents, such as tenancy agreement, layout plans, cleaning program, food safety management plan, etc.
• Failure to meet the eligibility criteria for the applicant, such as being a Singaporean citizen/PR, a registered company, or an approved association/society.
• Premises not meeting the required food safety and hygiene standards set by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) during the inspection.
• Food handlers or hygiene officers not having the necessary food hygiene course certifications.
• Inadequate or improper food safety measures, waste management plans, or cleaning programs proposed for the establishment.
• Failure to obtain other necessary licences or certifications, such as a liquor licence for selling alcohol or halal certification for serving halal food, if applicable.
• Providing inaccurate or false information in the application.
• Non-payment or delay in payment of the required licence fees.

5. How often do I need to renew my food shop licence?

• Food shop licences need to be renewed annually. The renewal process involves inspections by SFA to ensure continued compliance with food safety standards.
• The annual licence fee is $195.

6. I am a foreigner with an employment pass issued by Ministry of Manpower. Can I apply for the licence in my name?

• No. You must establish a company registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and apply for the license under the company’s name.

7. Can I submit my application while I’m still looking for a location to operate my business? 

• No, you must secure a location for your business before submitting your application. Applications can only be processed once a specific operating location has been established.

Using an incorporation service as an extension of your team

Setting up a company in Singapore can be challenging, but with professional support, it can be simple, Counto’s mission is to support your new business, take away the complexities of compliance, and save you time and money throughout the year. Speak to us directly on our chatbot, email us at [email protected], or contact us using this form.

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