Thinking of starting a retail food business in Singapore? Whether you’re planning to open a bakery, a specialty food stall, or a takeaway counter, there are important steps you must follow to stay compliant. This guide is tailored for Singapore small businesses and outlines the key requirements, licences, and regulations you need to know before launching your operations.
As you plan your business setup, don’t overlook the importance of back-office operations such as bookkeeping, tax compliance, and payroll. Many retail food businesses rely on accounting services in Singapore to stay compliant with government reporting standards and free up time for daily operations.
Before you can start operating, you need to register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This step is mandatory for all food-related businesses in Singapore.
To apply for a food retail licence, your business must:
Be owned by a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, or
Be registered with ACRA or the Registrar of Societies
Have up-to-date Medisave contributions if you’re self-employed
All retail food businesses in Singapore must be licensed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The type of licence you need depends on how and where you intend to sell food.
Food Shop Licence – For dine-in or takeaway premises such as cafés, bakeries, and small food outlets
Food Stall Licence – For individual stalls within hawker centres, food courts, or coffee shops
Supermarket Licence – For businesses preparing or selling raw or pre-packed food, such as seafood or meats
A copy of the tenancy agreement
A layout plan of your premises showing food preparation zones and equipment
Valid food hygiene certificates for all food handlers
Pest control contract
Written permission from URA or HDB, where applicable
The current cost for a Food Shop Licence is SGD 195 per year. Licences are typically processed within seven working days, assuming all documents are in order.
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Before setting up operations, you’ll need to ensure your location is properly zoned and approved for food retail.
Check URA or HDB guidelines to verify that your location is approved for F&B use
If the premises were not previously used for food services, apply for a Change of Use with URA
Submit a layout plan of the kitchen and food prep areas as part of your licence application
Singapore maintains strict food safety regulations to protect public health. All retail food businesses must comply with these standards to retain their licences.
Food handlers must complete the Basic Food Hygiene Course and obtain certification
Certificates must be renewed according to SFA guidelines
If your prep area exceeds 16 sqm or spans multiple units, you must appoint a certified Food Hygiene Officer
Implement pest control measures and a documented cleaning routine
Conduct regular internal checks and provide staff training
If you are preparing food in large quantities or doing catering, you may also need to submit a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan.
Planning to hire foreign workers? You must be registered as a company, not a sole proprietor or partnership, to be eligible under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
Ensure your company is eligible to hire foreign workers
Apply for the relevant work passes
Follow quota and levy rules
Maintain proper employment contracts and records
Being clear on hiring guidelines helps avoid violations and keeps your operations smooth.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help with your planning:
Licence Fees:
Food Shop Licence: SGD 195/year
Food Stall Licence: SGD 32/year
Supermarket Licence: SGD 250–500/year (depending on floor area)
Processing Time:
~7 working days upon submission of full documents
Setup Timeline:
Renovations can begin after In-Principle Approval
Operations can start after a final inspection and licence issuance
Launching a retail food business in Singapore involves several regulatory steps, but with the right preparation, Singapore small businesses can navigate them smoothly. From registering your business with ACRA to applying for the proper SFA food licence, securing approved premises, and ensuring food safety compliance, each stage plays a crucial role in getting your business legally ready to operate.
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