{"id":15100,"date":"2024-01-30T14:07:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T07:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fazz.com\/?p=15100"},"modified":"2024-02-21T11:20:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T04:20:31","slug":"business-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fazz.com\/newsroom\/business\/business-license\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Business License in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Singapore is one of the best and easiest countries to do business as it promotes investment flow through various government business incentives. If you are starting a business in Singapore, you should acquire the business license and permit that you might need to start business operations after your company has been registered with ACRA<\/a>. A business license is a government-issued permit that allows you to run a specific business. Certain types of businesses require a business license in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this business license guide, we will outline the importance of a business license for your company, the types of licenses, a list of businesses that require a license in Singapore, and the process to get a business license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Business License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A business license is a certificate issued by the appropriate government agencies that authorizes your company to carry out business activities that are regulated under Singapore law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this approach, the government maintains regulatory control over the company’s business activities, ensures the quality of service or product, and confirms the rules are followed. The specific license you need will depend on your business type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Reason Why Do You Need a Business License for Your Singaporean Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most businesses can operate in Singapore without needing any additional licenses. However, a license and permit from the Singapore government might be required to perform specific business activities. Your business type can need more than one business license because a business may involve performing various activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essential to understand the business licensing requirements<\/a> for the successful launch of your company, as failure to obtain the required licenses or permits can lead to expensive fines, disbarment, and damage to your company’s reputation. A business license is necessary to ensure public health and safety, and it holds the company accountable for its activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Business Licenses in Singapore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are the types of business licenses and permits in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compulsory License<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This license is compulsory to obtain by certain Singapore companies before starting operations. Types of businesses that want to operate as educational institutions, real estate agents, travel agencies, tobacco or liquor distributors, banks, trading companies, or food and beverage businesses must first apply for a business license. Once your company has been registered with ACRA, you must apply for a license before starting business operations in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information on the company registration process in Singapore, read our comprehensive guide on how to register a company in Singapore for foreigners<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupational License<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This type of license is required to work in some professions. You can obtain an occupational license from the professional organization that regulates that profession. For example, doctors, accountants, lawyers, or architects can apply for occupational licenses from their governing authorities, which include the Singapore Medical Council<\/a>, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants<\/a>, the Ministry of Law<\/a>, and the Board of Architects<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business Activity-Based License and Permit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Singapore government requires certain types of businesses to get a specific license or permit to engage in specific trades, such as selling alcohol or pharmaceutical products. So, you need to check the licensing requirements before starting the business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Businesses That Require an Industry-Specific License and Permit in Singapore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the types of businesses that require a license before they’re allowed to run the business in Singapore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n