Food Shop Licence: Application and Renewal (SFA)
Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, coffee shops, canteens, and similar food retail outlets in Singapore need a Food Shop Licence from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) before they can operate.
Who Can Apply
Only the following may hold the licence:
- A Singapore citizen or permanent resident, applying as an individual
- A company registered with ACRA
- An association/society registered with the Registrar of Societies
Important: a business firm registered with ACRA (i.e. a sole proprietorship or partnership) cannot apply in the business's name. The sole proprietor or active partner must apply personally, in their own name, with MediSave contributions up to date.
Hiring foreign workers? MOM's work pass framework generally requires the employer to be a registered company — an individually-held licence won't support a work pass application.
Key Requirements Before Applying
- Business registration appropriate to your applicant type (personal NRIC for individuals; ACRA Business Profile for companies)
- Tenancy/lease agreement with IRAS Certificate of Stamp Duty
- A scaled layout plan showing the premises, sinks, wash basins, and workflow
- Kitchen physically operational (water, gas, electrical commissioned) ahead of inspection
- Compliance with SFA's hygiene, ventilation, and food-handler requirements
Applications are submitted through GoBusiness. SFA reviews complete applications within about 7 working days, though total time depends on layout approval, fit-out readiness, and any pre-licensing inspection.
Fees and Payment
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Licence fee | S$195 per year |
Once your application clears pre-licensing checks and inspection, SFA sends a payment notification — you must pay within 28 days, or the application lapses and you'll need to reapply. Businesses without an existing GIRO arrangement can only start operating once payment is made.
Renewal
The licence is valid for one year from issue and must be renewed annually. SFA sends renewal reminders around two months before expiry, and renewal takes effect immediately upon payment. GIRO auto-payment helps avoid missed renewals (GIRO approval itself can take up to 8 weeks, so set it up early).
Operating without a valid licence is an offence under the Environmental Public Health Act. For operating a food shop without a licence (s.32(1) via s.41A(1)(b)), penalties are up to S$10,000 for a first conviction, rising to up to S$20,000 and/or up to 3 months' imprisonment for a second or subsequent conviction.
Applying for a Food Shop Licence or need help with renewal?
We prepare your application under the correct applicant name (individual vs. company), coordinate layout plan submission, help you get GIRO set up for renewals, and track your licence expiry — liaising with SFA on your behalf throughout.