{"id":1588,"date":"2026-09-10T10:12:04","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T10:12:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ingstart.com\/blog\/en\/?p=1588"},"modified":"2026-09-10T10:12:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T10:12:04","slug":"singapore-business-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ingstart.com\/blog\/en\/singapore-business-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Singapore Business License Guide: Requirements & Application Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Singapore is a major business hub that attracts entrepreneurs and companies from around the world. However, registering a company<\/a> is not always enough to start operating. Depending on your industry and business activities, you may also need a Singapore Business License<\/strong><\/a>, permit, or other regulatory approval.<\/p>\n

It is important to understand the difference between company registration and business licensing. Singapore does not have one general business license that every company must obtain. Instead, businesses may need specific licences or permits based on what they do. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)<\/a> recommends using the GoBusiness Licence e-Adviser to check the requirements for your business.<\/p>\n

What Is a Singapore Business License?<\/h2>\n

A Singapore Business License<\/strong> is not a single licence issued to every newly registered company. First, a business must complete the appropriate registration with ACRA. After registration, the company should check whether its business activities require additional licences or permits.<\/p>\n

For example, certain industries may have specific regulatory requirements. Businesses involved in importing or exporting goods may also need trade permits and a Customs account. Other regulated activities may require approval from the relevant government authority. Therefore, the exact licence requirements depend on the nature of your business.<\/p>\n

Singapore Company Registration<\/a> Before Licensing<\/h2>\n

Before applying for an industry-specific licence, you generally need to establish the appropriate business structure and register the business.<\/p>\n

ACRA provides an online registration process through Bizfile<\/strong>. For a local company, the registration process includes choosing a business name, providing company details, adding directors and shareholders, submitting the constitution, and completing the final review and payment.<\/p>\n

For foreign entrepreneurs, there are also local residency requirements. A Singapore company must have at least one director who meets the local residency rules. A company secretary must also be appointed within six months after registration.<\/p>\n

Choose and Reserve a Company Name<\/h3>\n

The first step is to choose a suitable company name and reserve it through Bizfile. The name should comply with Singapore's naming requirements and should not create conflicts with existing registered names or restricted terms. You should also consider whether the name is suitable for your planned business activities and brand strategy.<\/p>\n

Prepare Company Information<\/h3>\n

Before registration, prepare the required company information.<\/p>\n

This can include:<\/p>\n