What are the businesses that need licenses?

In Singapore, most businesses require specific licenses, permits, or registrations depending on the industry and nature of operations. Below is a detailed list of licenses categorized by business activity:

1. Food & Beverage Businesses
   • Food Shop License: Required for restaurants, cafes, or food stalls.
     • Issued by: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
   • Liquor License: Necessary for selling or serving alcohol.
     • Issued by: Singapore Police Force
   • Food Handler’s Hygiene Certificate: For staff handling food preparation.
   • Halal Certification: For businesses serving or producing Halal food.
     • Issued by: Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS)
   • Catering License: For catering services.
     • Issued by: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
2. Retail Businesses
   • Advertising License: For outdoor advertising displays.
     • Issued by: Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
   • Tobacco Retail License: Required for selling tobacco products.
     • Issued by: Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
   • Import/Export License: For businesses importing/exporting goods.
     • Issued by: Singapore Customs
   • Fire Safety Certificate: If premises involve fire hazards.
     • Issued by: Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
3. Healthcare & Wellness
   • Medical Clinic License: For clinics and healthcare providers.
     • Issued by: Ministry of Health (MOH)
   • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner License: For TCM practitioners.
     • Issued by: TCM Practitioners Board
   • Massage Establishment License: Required for spas and massage parlors.
     • Issued by: Singapore Police Force
   • Pharmacy License: For businesses selling pharmaceuticals.
     • Issued by: Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
4. Finance & Insurance
   • Moneylender's License: For moneylending businesses.
     • Issued by: Ministry of Law (MinLaw)
   • Payment Services License: For businesses offering payment services like digital wallets.
     • Issued by: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
   • Fund Management License: For investment fund managers.
     • Issued by: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
   • Insurance Broker License: For insurance-related businesses.
     • Issued by: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
5. Education
   • Private Education Institution (PEI) Registration: For private schools.
     • Issued by: Committee for Private Education (CPE)
   • Child Care Center License: For childcare businesses.
     • Issued by: Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
   • Student Recruitment License: If recruiting international students.
6. Transportation & Logistics
   • Vehicle Importation License: For businesses importing vehicles.
     • Issued by: Land Transport Authority (LTA)
   • Freight Forwarding License: For shipping and logistics companies.
     • Issued by: Singapore Customs
   • Public Transport Operator License: For buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services.
     • Issued by: Land Transport Authority (LTA)
7. Real Estate & Construction
   • Real Estate Agency License: For real estate agencies.
     • Issued by: Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)
   • Contractor’s License: For building and construction work.
     • Issued by: Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
8. IT & Telecommunications
   • Telecommunication License: For businesses providing telecommunications services.
     • Issued by: Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
   • Broadcasting License: For media and broadcasting companies.
     • Issued by: Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
   • Cybersecurity Service Provider License: For businesses providing cybersecurity services.
     • Issued by: Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA)
9. Manufacturing & Industrial
   • Factory Registration: For manufacturing and factory operations.
     • Issued by: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
   • Environmental Health License: For businesses that handle waste.
     • Issued by: National Environment Agency (NEA)
   • Hazardous Substances License: Required for handling chemicals.
     • Issued by: National Environment Agency (NEA)
10. Entertainment & Tourism
    • Public Entertainment License: For nightclubs, bars, and other entertainment venues.
      • Issued by: Singapore Police Force
    • Hotel License: Required for running hotels or lodging houses.
      • Issued by: Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
    • Tourist Guide License: For individuals providing tour services.
      • Issued by: Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
11. E-Commerce
    • GST Registration: If turnover exceeds SGD 1 million or for overseas digital services targeting Singapore.
      • Issued by: Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
    • Payment Gateway Approval: If offering online payment systems.
      • Issued by: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
12. Agriculture
    • Animal Farm License: For operating animal farms or fisheries.
      • Issued by: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
    • Pet Shop License: For selling pets.
      • Issued by: Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)

General Notes:

1. ACRA Registration: All businesses must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
2. Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Requirements: Businesses must comply with workplace safety regulations.
3. Employment Pass Approval: For hiring foreign staff.
   • Issued by: Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

This list provides a comprehensive view but is not exhaustive. Specific industries may have unique requirements, so businesses should consult relevant agencies or legal professionals for compliance.