Singapore is one of the world’s most vibrant food destinations, known for its hawker culture, innovative restaurants, and diverse international cuisine. With a population that loves to dine out and a thriving tourism industry, the F&B sector continues to offer exciting opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, before you can officially serve your first customer, you must secure one essential approval from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA): a Food Licence.

Whether you’re opening a café, starting a restaurant, operating a food stall, or running a catering business, obtaining the correct licence is the first major step in ensuring your operations comply with Singapore’s strict food safety standards. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Food Licence in Singapore—what it is, why it matters, how to apply, its costs, requirements, and expert tips to help you avoid delays.

What Is a Food Licence?

A Food Licence is an official permit issued by the Singapore Food Agency that allows businesses to legally prepare, handle, or sell food within Singapore. The licensing framework is designed to protect public health by ensuring that food is produced under safe, hygienic conditions.

Without a valid food licence, the following consequences may apply:

• Business operations may be suspended
• Heavy fines may be imposed
• Food may be seized
• Legal action may be taken
• The business may be permanently shut down

Therefore, obtaining the licence is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a critical step to building customer trust and safeguarding your business reputation.

Who Needs a Food Licence in Singapore?

If your business involves any type of food preparation, handling, storage, cooking, or selling, you will most likely need a food licence. This includes:

• Restaurants, cafés, bistros, and bakeries
• Hawker stalls and food court stalls
• Snack kiosks or takeaway outlets
• Central kitchens and cloud kitchens
• Catering businesses
• Pop-up booths at fairs or events
• Mobile food trucks
• Specialty shops like ice cream parlours or juice bars

Even home-based food operators must follow SFA guidelines, although many small-scale home businesses may not require a full commercial licence. However, once operations expand or commercial equipment is used, a licence becomes mandatory.

Types of Food Licences in Singapore

Different businesses require different types of licences. The most common ones include:

1. Food Shop Licence

Ideal for retail-based food establishments such as restaurants, cafés, bakeries, dessert shops, and dine-in or takeaway outlets. It covers both food preparation and direct sale to consumers.

2. Food Stall Licence

Required for hawker stalls and food stalls inside wet markets, food courts, canteens, and hawker centres. These operations are typically smaller in scale but subject to strict hygiene standards.

3. Catering Licence

Applicable to businesses preparing food at a central location and delivering it to customers at events or offices. Kitchens must meet enhanced hygiene and equipment standards.

4. Temporary Fair or Event Licence

Needed for short-term operations like:

• Food exhibitions
• Pasar malam
• Bazaar pop-ups
• Seasonal food festivals

These licences are time-limited and are subject to event-specific rules.

5. Home-Based Food Business Requirements

Home-based operators do not need a full licence as long as they comply with restrictions related to hygiene, quantity, delivery methods, and safe food preparation practices.

How to Apply for a Food Licence in Singapore

Although the process is straightforward, missing details or non-compliance can lead to delays. Below is a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Find a Suitable Premise

Before applying, you must secure a premise approved for food operations. This includes:

• Commercial shop units
• Industrial kitchens
• Hawker stalls
• Retail spaces in malls
• Approved cloud kitchen facilities

Ensure the premises meet URA zoning requirements for F&B use.

Step 2: Design Your Layout According to SFA Requirements

Your kitchen and food preparation area must meet strict design criteria, such as:

• Proper food preparation zones
• Hand-washing basins
• Safe food storage areas
• Stainless steel preparation surfaces
• Adequate ventilation
• Anti-slip flooring
• Clear separation of raw and cooked food

You will need to upload a floor plan showing the layout of sinks, equipment, and workflow.

Step 3: Apply Through GoBusiness Licensing Portal

Food licence applications are submitted online via the GoBusiness portal. You will need:

• ACRA business registration details
• Proposed layout plans
• List of equipment
• Proposed menu
• Food safety plans
• Pest control agreements

Submitting your application early helps avoid delays during the construction or renovation process.

Step 4: Prepare for SFA Inspection

Once the kitchen setup is complete, SFA will conduct a site inspection. They will check:

• Cleanliness and hygiene
• Equipment placement
• Sufficient hand-washing facilities
• Proper storage of food
• Working ventilation systems
• Waste disposal systems
• Pest prevention measures

Only when the facility meets all requirements will your licence be approved.

Step 5: Pay Licence Fees and Begin Operations

After passing the inspection, pay the licensing fee online. Upon approval, your food licence will be issued, and you may begin operations immediately.

How Much Does a Food Licence Cost in Singapore?

Food licence fees vary depending on the type of business:

• Food Shop Licence: $195–$500 per year
• Food Stall Licence: Around $13 per month
• Catering Licence: $300–$600 per year
• Temporary Fair Licence: Depends on booth size and event duration

Licences are renewable annually.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Food Licence?

On average:

• Food Shop: 14–30 working days

• Catering kitchens: Up to 3 months

• Food stalls: Around 1–2 weeks

• Event licences: Typically less than 7 days

Delays often occur when businesses apply too late or fail the initial inspection.

Key Requirements for Food Licence Approval

1. Trained Food Handlers

All food handlers must complete the Food Safety Course Level 1, which covers:

• Food contamination risks

• Proper sanitisation

• Safe food storage

• Personal hygiene

This is mandatory for all employees involved in food preparation.

2. Proper Food Storage

You must have:

• Separate storage for raw and cooked food

• Daily temperature checks for refrigerators

• Food properly labelled and covered

3. Cleanliness and Sanitation Standards

The environment must be:

• Pest-free

• Clean and dry

• Equipped with proper waste bins

• Regularly sanitised

4. Documented Processes

Some businesses, such as catering companies, must maintain records of:

• Cleaning schedules

• Pest control logs

• Temperature monitoring

Common Mistakes That Delay Food Licence Approval

• Renovating before checking SFA guidelines

• Submitting unclear or incomplete floor plans

• Insufficient washing facilities

• Failure to train staff before inspection

• Poor ventilation or pest control

• Starting operations before licence approval

Avoiding these mistakes can save weeks of delays and unnecessary costs.

Tips for a Smooth, Fast Approval

• Apply early — preferably before renovation is completed

• Work with contractors experienced in F&B requirements

• Train staff before the inspection date

• Keep your premises spotless during inspection

• Ensure equipment is fully installed and functional

Conclusion

Securing a Food Licence in Singapore is a foundational step for any aspiring F&B business owner. While the process may seem overwhelming, understanding the requirements, preparing your documents, and following SFA guidelines closely will significantly streamline your approval.

Once your licence is approved, you are ready to bring your culinary vision to life and serve Singapore’s food-loving community with confidence. Whether you’re launching a cosy café, setting up a hawker stall, or building a catering brand, proper licensing ensures safety, trust, and long-term success.