{"id":1609,"date":"2026-09-11T10:54:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T10:54:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ingstart.com\/blog\/en\/?p=1609"},"modified":"2026-09-11T10:54:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T10:54:30","slug":"singapore-restaurant-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ingstart.com\/blog\/en\/singapore-restaurant-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Singapore Restaurant Business: Guide & Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting a Singapore Restaurant Business<\/strong><\/a> involves more than preparing good food. You also need to understand licensing, food safety, fire safety, taxes, location requirements, and daily operations. Singapore has strict standards for food businesses, so proper preparation is important before you open your doors.<\/p>\n

For international entrepreneurs, it is especially important to understand which licences and approvals<\/a> apply to the restaurant. This guide explains the main requirements and practical points to consider when starting a Singapore Restaurant Business<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What Licences Does a Singapore Restaurant Business Need?<\/h2>\n

There is no single general \u201cbusiness licence\u201d<\/a> that covers every restaurant in Singapore. Instead, restaurant operators may need different licences, registrations, and approvals depending on their business activities and premises.<\/p>\n

Food Shop Licence<\/h3>\n

For most standalone restaurants, the key licence is the Food Shop Licence<\/strong> issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Restaurants, cafes, eating houses, food courts, and other food retail businesses generally need an SFA licence to prepare and sell food to consumers. The application includes a review of the premises and layout, followed by pre-licensing inspection and final approval.<\/p>\n

The current Food Shop Licence fee is S$195 per year<\/strong>. Applicants need to prepare a suitable layout plan showing important details such as kitchen equipment, sinks, wash basins, exhaust systems, and refreshment areas.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/h3>\n

Food Safety Training for Food Handlers<\/h3>\n

Food safety training is another important requirement. All food handlers working in SFA-licensed retail food establishments, including restaurants, must pass the WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 1<\/strong>. Food handlers must also complete retraining within the required time periods and be registered with SFA.<\/p>\n

This means restaurant owners should arrange food safety training for relevant employees before the business starts operating. For larger restaurants or certain food establishments, additional food hygiene requirements may also apply. Therefore, operators should check the specific SFA requirements for their premises.<\/p>\n

Fire Safety Requirements<\/h3>\n

Fire safety is also important when setting up a restaurant. A restaurant does not simply apply for a general \u201cfire safety certificate\u201d in the same way as a food licence. Instead, fire safety approval depends on the premises, proposed works, and use of the building.<\/p>\n

For example, changing an existing shop or other premises into an eating establishment may affect fire safety requirements. In such cases, plans may need to be prepared and submitted to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) by a Qualified Person.<\/p>\n

Where applicable, a Fire Safety Certificate or other required approval must be obtained before the premises is occupied or used. Therefore, it is important to check the premises and fire safety requirements before signing a long-term lease or starting renovation work.<\/p>\n

Liquor Licence<\/h3>\n

If your restaurant plans to sell alcohol, you may also need a Liquor Licence<\/strong>. The Singapore Police Force provides different liquor licence categories, and applications for new licences can be submitted through GoBusiness. The appropriate licence depends on factors such as the type of alcohol sales and the operating conditions of the premises. Therefore, restaurants should confirm the applicable licence before selling alcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n

GST Registration<\/h3>\n

Restaurant operators should also consider their tax obligations. Singapore does not require every restaurant to obtain a separate \u201crestaurant tax licence.\u201d Instead, businesses must assess whether they need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Generally, compulsory GST registration applies when a business's taxable turnover exceeds S$1 million<\/strong>, based on the applicable retrospective or prospective rules. Businesses below the threshold may also choose to register voluntarily if they meet the requirements. Therefore, restaurant owners should monitor turnover and review their GST position as the business grows.<\/p>\n

Documents Needed to Start a Singapore Restaurant Business<\/h2>\n

The exact documents depend on the restaurant's structure, premises, and activities. However, entrepreneurs should generally prepare the following:<\/p>\n