Food Licence Singapore: Essential Guide for New F&B Owners in 2025

If you’re planning to start a food and beverage (F&B) business in Singapore, one of the first and most important steps is securing your Food Licence. Known formally as the Food Shop Licence, this approval issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ensures that your business complies with Singapore’s stringent food hygiene and safety standards. Whether you are opening a restaurant, café, hawker stall, bubble tea shop, central kitchen, or kiosk, a proper food licence is mandatory before operations can begin.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Food Licence in Singapore—including requirements, process, costs, timelines, and common mistakes business owners must avoid.

Why You Need a Food Licence in Singapore

Singapore is internationally recognised for its strict food safety regulations. To protect public health, SFA requires all F&B establishments to be licensed before they prepare, store, or sell food. A food licence grants you the legal right to operate and assures customers that your business follows proper hygiene standards.

Operating without a valid licence can result in:

• Heavy fines
• Closure of your business
• Loss of reputation
• Legal consequences

Therefore, securing your food licence should be one of your top priorities during the planning and renovation phase.

Who Must Apply for a Food Licence?

A Food Shop Licence is required for any business that handles food. This includes:

1. Restaurants, Cafés & Eateries

All dine-in establishments, from small cafés to large restaurants, must obtain an SFA licence.

2. Hawker Stalls & Market Stalls

Every unit in a hawker centre, food court, coffeeshop, or wet market needs its own individual licence.

3. Takeaway Kiosks & Food Counters

Even small spaces such as mall kiosks, snack booths, and takeaway counters must be licensed.

4. Bakeries, Dessert Shops & Beverage Stores

Shops selling pastries, desserts, bubble tea, or beverages with perishable ingredients require licensing.

5. Central Kitchens & Caterers

Businesses preparing food in bulk for delivery, catering, or multiple outlets must apply for a Food Shop or Food Processing Establishment Licence depending on operations.

6. Home-Based Food Businesses

Most low-risk home food sellers are allowed under SFA’s Home-Based Business guidelines, but some may require licensing depending on the type and scale of food preparation.

What You Need Before Applying

Before submitting your application, your premises must meet several key requirements. Preparing these early will reduce delays and help you pass SFA inspections smoothly.

1. Approved Layout Plan

Submit a clear and detailed floor plan showing:

• Cooking equipment placements
• Food preparation workflow
• Dry, chill, and frozen storage
• Washing areas
• Hand-washing stations
• Exhaust hood and ventilation
• Grease trap location (if applicable)

This layout must follow SFA’s hygienic workflow standards, preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.

2. Food Safety Training

At least one food handler must complete the Food Safety Course Level 1. Some businesses prefer to train all staff to ensure smooth operations.

3. Proper Fixtures and Equipment

Your premises must include:

• Stainless steel or food-safe surfaces
• Commercial refrigerators
• Adequate dishwashing facilities
• Hand-washing basins with soap
• Pest-proof ventilation and storage
• Floor traps and waterproof flooring

4. Pest Control Measures

Engage a licensed pest control company and keep records ready for inspection.

5. Fire Safety Compliance

Depending on your kitchen equipment, you may need SCDF fire safety approval.

How to Apply for a Food Licence in Singapore

The Food Shop Licence application process involves four main steps:

Step 1: Apply through GoBusiness Licensing

All applications are submitted online via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. You will need:

• CorpPass login
• Layout plan
• Tenancy agreement
• Proposed menu
• Details of business operations

Step 2: Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)

If your documents meet requirements, SFA will issue an IPA. Only after receiving this approval should you begin renovation and installation of kitchen equipment.

Step 3: Complete Renovation and Book an Inspection

Once your premises are ready, you must schedule a pre-operational inspection with SFA. During inspection, officers will check:

• Cleanliness of the kitchen
• Proper storage of ingredients
• Installation of approved equipment
• Availability of hand-washing basins
• Functionality of exhaust and ventilation systems
• Food safety certification of staff

If any issues are found, you must fix them before a re-inspection.

Step 4: Final Approval and Licence Issuance

Once your premises pass inspection, SFA will approve your application and issue your digital Food Shop Licence. You may begin operations immediately after receiving it.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Food Licence?

The licensing process typically takes 10 to 15 working days, but this timeline can extend if:

• The layout plan is incorrect
• Renovation is incomplete
• Equipment does not meet standards
• Food safety certification is missing
• Documents are inconsistent

To avoid delays, it is recommended to engage contractors and consultants familiar with SFA regulations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent issues that cause approvals to be delayed:

1. Poorly Designed Layout

A kitchen that does not follow raw-to-cooked workflow rules may be rejected.

2. Missing Food Safety Certificates

SFA will not approve your licence until at least one staff member is certified.

3. Renovation Done Without Understanding Regulations

Things like missing sinks, wrong exhaust placement, or non-food grade materials often lead to failed inspections.

4. Incomplete Documentation

Missing tenancy agreements or unclear floor plans slow down approval.

Conclusion: Start Your F&B Business with Confidence

Obtaining a Food Licence in Singapore is a crucial milestone for any food business owner. By understanding the requirements, preparing your premises properly, and following SFA guidelines closely, you can secure your licence smoothly and start operations without hassle.

A well-prepared application not only speeds up approval but also sets the foundation for a safe, efficient, and customer-friendly food establishment.