Setting up a company in Singapore does not necessarily mean you can start your business right away. There are certain types of activities that require more specific business licenses or permits because some industries need further qualifications and it is easier for the government to manage these businesses. Show
Therefore, in this blog, BBCIncorp will provide you with information on licenses and permits of some specific industries as well as one of the most convenient and simple way to apply and achieve these papers in Singapore. Let’s go! Licenses and permits for some specific business types in SingaporeBelow are some of the most common business types with specific required licenses that need to be obtained before they can start operating in the city-state: Retail StoreDifferent types of retail businesses will demand different required retail licenses in Singapore. Overall, there are 5 types: Supermarket, telecommunication store, pharmacy, shop that sells liquor and shop that sells cosmetics.
Construction BusinessBefore putting your own construction company into operation, you need to apply for a license from the Professional Engineers Board (PEB), which is only available for limited companies, unlimited companies, multi-disciplinary partnerships, and limited liability partnerships Other licenses might also be needed: Permit for Road Occupation Management, License to Occupy and Operate Scheduled Premises (by National Environment Agency), Telecommunication Wiring Contractor’s License (by IDA), Advertisement License and so on. Trading CompanyDepending on the import and export activities and the types of goods, you will need to apply for different licenses. To be more specific:
You can find more information about Trading Licenses and Permits in Singapore in our detailed blog. HotelOverall, you need to apply for a Certificate of Registration and a Hotel-Keeper’s License from the Hotels Licensing Board to use the premises as a hotel and to manage it, under the Hotels Act. Other necessary hotel licenses in Singapore are also needed to be applied:
SpaUnder the Massage Establishment Act, Massage Establishment License is required, which includes Category I and Category II. Category I offers more liberal business conditions as compared to Category II. To be more specific, Category I licensees can enjoy unrestricted operating hours, serve alcohol, admit customers irrespective of age, and can also employ foreign masseuses or therapists. Employment AgencyApplication for Employment Agency License from the Ministry of Manpower is needed. Travel AgencyApplication for a travel agency license from Singapore Tourism Board is needed, under Section 4 of the Travel Agent’s Act. Food & Beverage BusinessIn order for your restaurant to operate, you need to obtain a Food Shop License in Singapore issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for retailing food and/or drinks, under the Environmental Public Health Act. Furthermore, if you intend to import food ingredients, you also apply for a Registration Number with the Food Control Division (FCD) of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). Also, Liquor License from the Liquor Licensing Board is required when you plan to sell liquor in your restaurant. Shipping BusinessThe basic licenses/permits include:
Event ManagementThe licenses or permits that apply to various events are as following:
Please take note that most of the licenses are valid only for the duration of the event Real Estate AgencyYou must get the license from the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA) and register employees and appoint a Key Executive Officer (KEO) with the CEA in order to get your real estate agency started. Publishing Business
Private Educational Institutes (PEI) include Childcare Centers, Preschools/Kindergartens, Academic Schools and Non-academic Schools and these must be registered with Ministry of Education (MOE) or Council Private Education (CPE) when meeting statutory requirements. Overall, the specific required licenses/permits below depend on the kind of PEI:
Again, the specific required licenses/permits depend on the type of PEI. It means that for each type, some of the above licenses and permits are required, some are not. Fund ManagementA corporation that carries on business in fund management in Singapore needs to either hold a Capital Markets Services License in fund management or to be registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a registered fund management company. We have a search tool to help you find the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code for your business activities (update 2022). Feel free to try it. Free ebook
Types of Singapore business licenses and permitsCompulsory licensesOne type that may be necessary, depending on the business activities being conducted. Compulsory licenses are granted by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and allow businesses to use intellectual property that is otherwise protected under law. Specific kinds of businesses, such as educational institutions, travel agencies, real estate agencies, liquor or tobacco distributors, food and beverage establishments, or financial institutions, must first apply for a license. Business activity licenses and permitsCertain types of business activities necessitate the acquisition of special licenses or permits. After setting up a company in Singapore, you must obtain these licenses before engaging in relevant business activities. The most common industry-specific licenses are listed below.
Many commercial activities may necessitate the purchase of multiple licenses. Both an industry-specific business license and a mandatory license may be required to operate your business. Occupational licenses for professional servicesIn Singapore, an occupational license is required to provide professional services. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) oversees the licensing process and regulates which professions are eligible for a license. The list of eligible professions is varied and includes lawyers, accountants, doctors, and engineers, etc. To obtain a license to provide professional services in Singapore, an applicant must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating that they have the necessary skills and qualifications. How to Get a Business License in SingaporeOne of the easiest ways for you to apply for licenses is to do it online through the GoBusiness Licensing Website with your CorpPass. What is the website about?It is a one-stop portal for businesses to apply easily for licenses and also conveniently pay for them online. The website comprises two sections/options: Option for new food services business owners: This option is for business owners in food service industry, and it is specially designed with a feature named Guide Journey. This feature targeted at completely new owners who apply for licenses for the first time. To be more specific, it guides you through a step-to-step process to achieve the licenses that you need. Currently, Guide Journey is only available for the food industry but it will be set up for other fields in the near future. Option for all other business owners: This option contains the Self-Service feature, previously known as LicenseOne, designed for business owners from any industry except new business owners in food services. Users may apply, update, renew or terminate any licenses through the Self-Service feature. Option for new food services business owners: With the Guide Journey, the applying process will be much easier for newcomers, including 3 steps:
Option for all other business owners: You will go through the general below steps to achieve your licenses with the Self-Service feature:
ConclusionAll in all, certain types of businesses require some more licenses and permits before they come into operation. And one of the fastest ways of applying for business licenses in Singapore is to use the GoBusiness Licensing Website to apply for licenses since it has options that make the process become much simpler and more convenient for all business owners. If you have an intention to register your own business in Singapore, we have one of the best company formation services to offer. Please contact us for further details! What licenses are needed to start a business in Tennessee?For in-state businesses: If your in-state location has gross receipts of more than $3,000 but less than $10,000, you must obtain a minimal activity license from your county and/or municipal clerk. A standard business license is needed from your county and/or municipal clerk if your gross receipts are $10,000 or more.
What is needed for a business license in Georgia?The state of Georgia does not require a general business license. Once you have obtained a valid business tax certificate, your business may legally operate throughout all of Georgia.
What licenses are needed to start a business in Florida?A business license/occupational license or business tax receipt is required by most counties in Florida to have the legal ability to do have a business in that county.
What licenses are needed to start a business in Ohio?Businesses are required to register with the Ohio Secretary of State to legally conduct business in the state — this is commonly called a business license.
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