Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit for Food Retail

Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit for Food Retail | Singapore Government Singapore Food Agency

Expand all

Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions

Check the Requirements for Licence / Permit for Food Retail and ensure you are able to meet all the requirements and conditions before applying for a licence.

Step 2: Prepare the key documents required

You must submit a layout plan when you apply, with the following details:

A metric scale within the layout (with dimensions indicated) and the scale ratio used (1:X).
Clear indication of the kitchen equipment and infrastructure within the layout (e.g. exhausts, sinks and wash basins).
Clear indication of the boundaries of the refreshment area within the layout.

Step 3: Get a SingPass or CorpPass

You will need your SingPass or CorpPass to log into the Gobusiness portal to apply for a licence.

If you do not have a SingPass account, register for one on the SingPass website.

If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.

If you intend to employ foreign workers, please refer to the MOM website or call the MOM Contact Centre at 64385122 for more information on your eligibility to do so.

Step 4: Submit your application

Log into the Gobusiness portal and submit your application for the Food Shop Licence. You can refer to the User Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Please refrain from submitting duplicate applications. Authorised persons from your company should check internally if any prior application had been submitted for the same premises.

Ensure your application is complete and in order. Applications are considered complete and in order when:

All fields in the application form are completed and correctly completed.
A layout plan is submitted together with the application, and the layout plan has:

A metric scale within the layout (with dimensions indicated) and the scale ratio used (1:X).
Clear indication of kitchen equipment and infrastructure within the layout (e.g. exhausts, sinks and wash basins).
Clear indication of boundaries of the refreshment area within the layout.

Please note the licensee name and licence type cannot be amended, and licences issued by SFA are not transferable.

If you have submitted the application under the wrong entity or wrong licence type, you will need to resubmit the application using the correct account (SingPass/CorpPass).

Step 5: SFA reviews your application

Within 7 working days

All completed applications will be reviewed by SFA within 7 working days.

Applications that require rectification

If your application requires rectifications or clarifications (e.g. layout plan is incomplete and has missing elements), SFA will contact the applicant within 7 working days. This may result in a slower processing of the application. To minimise delays, please ensure all documents are submitted correctly.

Please also check the email account (including the junk/spam folders) used for the licence application to ensure that you have responded to any request for action (RFA) from our officers.

SFA will not be able to approve your application until you have responded to our RFAs. The application will be rejected if we do not receive your response within 7 working days of the final reminder.

Applications that are incomplete

All incomplete applications will be rejected. Applicants will need to submit a new application.

Step 6: Obtain SFA’s concurrence with the layout plan

Within 7 working days

For applications that are complete and in order, SFA will notify the applicant of the approved application and the approved layout plan within 7 working days via email. Applicants may also log into GoBusiness for updates.

For the licence to be issued, you will be required to comply with the licensing requirements as stated in the acknowledgement document sent by our officer.

Step 7: Sign up for GIRO

Up to 8 weeks

Applicants are encouraged to sign up for GIRO auto-payment as a convenient way to pay the fees for the renewal of their licence. With GIRO, your licence will be renewed before the expiry of your licence. Please note that the new licence period will only be reflected in your licence when the new period starts.

Please note that GIRO approval can take up to 8 weeks. You are advised to make payment by other means if you wish to commence your operations before your GIRO auto-payment arrangement is completed.

Step 8: Renovate or set up your food shop

Once SFA has approved your application, you may proceed with the renovation and set up the premises according to the submitted layout.

To minimise the time taken for renovation, you should plan the renovation and equipment setup schedule ahead of time.

Step 9: Submit outstanding documents (if applicable)

While renovations are underway, you should submit any outstanding documents as stated in the application acknowledgement email to avoid further delays.

The documents include:

URA’s Change of Use or HDB’s approval
Tenancy agreement along with the Certificate of Stamp Duty issued by Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
Cleaning programme
Pest control contract

Note

If the necessary documents are not submitted within 2 months from the time of application, the application will be closed and considered invalid. Applicants should submit a new application only when they have a complete set of the necessary documents for uploading onto Gobusiness.

Step 10: Pre-licensing inspection by SFA

Upon the completion of renovation and setup, applicants will need to request an inspection of the premises before they start operations.

The pre-licensing inspection may take place either via a virtual inspection or a submission of photos. Please refer to the application acknowledgement email for details of the pre-licensing inspection regime for your application.

Pre-licensing Inspection via virtual inspections

Applications that require a virtual pre-licensing inspection must book a time slot at least 5 working days in advance via SFA's Pre-Licensing Inspection Portal. (Please select ‘SFA Pre-licensing Inspection Appointment’ to access the time slots available).

Alternatively, you can also book a time slot via the SFA website > Digital Services > Pre-Licensing Inspection Portal. Please refer to the user guide if you need help to use the portal.

Pre-licensing Inspection via Photos

For applications that qualify for a pre-inspection photo submission, SFA will send you a copy of the photograph submission template and the food shop declaration form along with the application acknowledgement email.

You should submit the completed photograph submission template via email. SFA will contact you if there are outstanding items that require rectification or compliance based on the photographs submitted. SFA will approve the inspection once everything is in order.

Step 11: Make payment

Within 28 days

You will receive a payment notification via email from GoBusiness within 7 working days of the inspection if all documents have been submitted.

You are required to make payment for the licence within 28 days via GIRO, AXS or Gobusiness.

Otherwise, the application will lapse and be considered null and void. You will need to submit a new application if you still wish to operate the food business.

Step 12: Start operations

Applicants that have submitted a GIRO application with SFA may start operations after receiving SFA's approval for the GIRO auto-payment.

Applicants without GIRO arrangements may only commence operations after payment has been made via AXS or GoBusiness.

You can print the licence and display it in your food establishment once payment has been made. For instructions, see Print Licence / Permit for Food Retail.

Food Stall

Applying for a Food Stall Licence

The application for a Food Stall Licence mainly consists of the following:

Submission of application
Review of application
Final approval

Follow the steps below to apply for a Food Stall Licence. The Food Stall Licence costs $32 and is valid for 1 year.

Hawker stalls and canteen food stalls within primary schools, secondary schools, or junior colleges are eligible for a reduced fee of $13 a year.

Expand all

Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions

Check the Requirements for Licence / Permit for Food Retail and ensure you are able to meet all the requirements and conditions before applying for a licence.

Step 2: Prepare all the required supporting documents

You will need to submit the following documents when you apply:

Tenancy / Lease agreement

If you have another type of agreement, e.g. a licence agreement or service agreement, verify with IRAS whether stamp duty applies. Retain the reply from IRAS to submit as part of your licence application.
Certificate of Stamp Duty from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for the tenancy or lease agreement

If the main operator is collecting and paying stamp duties on behalf of the stall holders, request a copy of the Certificate of Stamp Duty from the main operator.
Layout plan (with dimensions and metric scale) showing clearly the location of the specific stall within the eating house, canteen, food court, or coffee shop that houses the stall.

Step 3: Get a SingPass or CorpPass

You will need your SingPass or CorpPass to log into the Gobusiness portal to apply for a licence.

If you do not have a SingPass account, register for one on the SingPass website.

If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.

Step 4: Submit your application

Log into the Gobusiness portal and submit your application for the Food Stall Licence. You can refer to the User Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Please refrain from submitting duplicate applications. Authorised persons from your company should check internally if any prior application had been submitted for the same premises.

If you are taking over an existing food stall, ensure that the previous stall holder has cancelled their licence.

Ensure your application is complete and in order. Applications are considered complete and in order when:

All fields in the application form are completed and correctly completed.
The tenancy/lease agreement along with its Certificate of Stamp Duty issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) are attached and submitted.
A layout plan (with dimensions and metric scale) showing clearly the location of the specific stall within the eating house, canteen, food court, or coffee shop that houses the stall, is attached and submitted.

Step 5: Sign up for GIRO

Up to 8 weeks

Applicants are encouraged to sign up for GIRO auto-payment as a convenient way to pay the licence renewal fees. With GIRO, your licence will be renewed before the expiry of your licence.

Please note that GIRO approval can take up to 8 weeks. You are advised to make payment by other means if you wish to commence your operations before your GIRO auto-payment arrangement is completed.

Step 6: SFA reviews your application

Within 7 working days

All completed applications will be reviewed by SFA within 7 working days.

Applications that require rectification

When your application requires rectification or clarification (e.g. stamp duty certificate was not provided), SFA will contact the applicant within 7 working days. This may result in a slower processing of the application. To minimise delays, please ensure all documents are submitted correctly.

Please also check the email account (including the junk/spam folders) used for the licence application to ensure that you have responded to any request for action (RFA) from our officers.

SFA will not be able to approve your application until you have responded to our RFAs. If we do not receive your response within 7 working days, we will assume that you are no longer interested and we will reject the application.
Applications that are incomplete

All incomplete applications will be rejected. Applicants will need to submit a new application.

Step 7: Receive approval

Within 7 working days

Only applications that are complete and in order will be approved. Successful applicants will be notified within 7 working days via email. Applicants may also refer to their GoBusiness account for updates.

Step 8: Make payment

Within 28 days

Applicants will receive a payment notification via email from Gobusiness within 7 working days if all documents have been submitted.

You are required to make payment for the licence within 28 days via GIRO, AXS or Gobusiness. Otherwise, the application will lapse and be considered null and void. You will need to submit a new application if you still wish to operate the food business.

Step 9: Start operations

Applicants that have submitted a GIRO application with SFA may start operations after receiving SFA's approval for the GIRO auto-payment.

Applicants without GIRO arrangements may only commence operations after payment has been made via AXS or the GoBusiness portal.

You can print the licence and display it in your food establishment once payment has been made. For instructions, see Print Licence / Permit for Food Retail.

Temporary Fair

Applying for a Temporary Fair Permit

The permit is a one-off permit for the duration of the fair. The fee for a Temporary Fair Permit is $60, regardless of fair duration and the number of stalls.

How to apply?

Expand all

Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions

Check the Requirements for Licence / Permit for Food Retail and ensure you are able to meet all the requirements and conditions before applying for a permit.

You must also comply with the responsibilities of temporary fair and stall operators.

Step 2: Prepare all the supporting documents required

You must submit the application at least 2 weeks before the planned fair start date, and all the following documents at least 5 working days before the planned fair start date.

Note

Any documents or applications submitted late may result in a delay in the fair start date on the Permit issued.

Document	Short Description
Letter of appointment	You must have a document showing the appointment of the permit applicant as the fair operator. For example, if a permit applicant is appointed by the Citizen Consultative Committee (CCC) of a housing precinct to hold a Pasar Malam, the letter should come from the CCC.
Site use approval	You must have a document showing that the permit applicant has approval to use the space for the fair during the intended fair period.
Support documentation (e.g. consensus from shopkeepers’ / merchants’ association)	For fairs in public venues, you must have documents showing support for the fair from the advisory bodies and associations in the vicinity of the fair.
Layout plan	You must have a plan detailing the stalls with food handling and their necessary infrastructure (e.g. wash basins, piped water, chillers), and the other stalls without food handling.
Declaration form	You must have a declaration from the fair organiser stating that they have obtained all the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities to hold the fair. Download the declaration template here.

Step 3: Get a SingPass or CorpPass

You will need your SingPass or CorpPass to log into Gobusiness to apply for a permit.

If you do not have a SingPass account, register for one on the SingPass website.

If you do not have a CorpPass account, refer to the CorpPass Guide for setup instructions.

Step 4: Submit your application

Log into Gobusiness and submit your application for the Temporary Fair Permit. You can refer to the User Guide for step-by-step instructions.

You must submit the application at least 2 weeks before the fair start date.

Step 5: SFA reviews your application

Within 7 working days

SFA will process your application upon receipt of the required documents, provided that the permit requirements have been fully met.

SFA reviews complete applications within 7 working days. If the application is complete, you will be notified of the approval via email and the GoBusiness portal.

Step 6: Make payment

You are required to make payment before the fair commencement date via Gobusiness or AXS. The Temporary Fair Permit will be issued electronically by SFA. Please print the fair permit and display it at the fair. Detailed instructions are provided in the self-printing guide.

Temporary Fair Food Stall

Applying for a Temporary Fair Food Stall Licence

This licence is only for stalls within temporary fairs that conduct handling or preparation of food for sale. There is no separate fee for this licence, and it is valid only during the fair duration.

No licence is needed for stalls that sell non-food items or pre-packed food items from SFA-licensed food processing establishments, food retail establishments, or importers.

How to apply?

Expand all

Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions

Check the Requirements for Licence / Permit for Food Retail and ensure you are able to meet all the requirements and conditions before applying for a licence.

You must also comply with the responsibilities of temporary fair and stall operators. For example, stall operators must ensure that all food handlers have met WSQ FSC Level 1 training/retraining requirements at the point of application. For details on training/retraining, please see Requirements for Food Handlers.

Step 2: Prepare all the supporting documents required

The fair operator will need to collate and submit the following documents to the licensing officer for any stall within the fair that is conducting the handling or preparation of food for sale:

A copy of your identification documents.

For application as an individual, you should submit a photocopy of both sides of your personal identification documents.

For application as a company, you should submit the latest copy (at least within 3 months) of your Business Profile Information from ACRA.
A list of food items (including drinks, desserts, etc.) for sale.

Step 3: Submit your application

The fair operator needs to collate and submit completed Application Forms from each of the stalls handling or preparing food for sale. The submission should reach the licensing officer at least 3 working days before the planned start date of operations.

Step 4: SFA reviews your application

Within 3 working days

SFA will process the applications upon receipt of the required documents, provided that the licence requirements have been fully met.

Step 5: Receive approval

If the application is complete, you will be notified of the approval via email.

There is no licence fee for the Temporary Fair Food Stall Licence. The licences will be issued electronically by the assigned Licensing Officer to the Temporary Fair Permit holder.

The fair operator should ensure that each stall handling or preparing food for sale has printed out their licences and displayed them at the stalls.

Application Process & Fees for Licence / Permit for Food Retail

Food Shop

Applying for a Food Shop Licence

Singapore Food Agency

Note

Food Stall

Applying for a Food Stall Licence

Supermarket

Applying for a Supermarket Licence

Temporary Fair

Applying for a Temporary Fair Permit

How to apply?

Note

Temporary Fair Food Stall

Applying for a Temporary Fair Food Stall Licence

How to apply?

Last Updated 27 April 2026