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Applying For Licences & Permits

A very important part of setting up your business is ensuring you comply with all the laws and regulations. Part of this compliance is having the right licences and permits required to conduct business in your chosen industry.

Agency In Charge	Varies according to the licence/permit.
How Long It Takes	Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some applications cannot be completed online, so be sure to check and buffer for these in your timeline before you start actual operations or plan that big launch.
How Much It Costs	Varies according to the licence/permit.
Before You Apply	Register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Your SingPass
How To Apply	Apply online on the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) website, or Apply directly with the relevant authority

What Are The Different Types Of Licences & Permits?

Compulsory Licences
Certain businesses require special licences before they are allowed to commence operations.

This means that it is an offence to operate your business without this licence. For example, childcare centres require a Child Care Centre licence.
Occupational Licences
If you intend to offer professional services, you will require occupational licences for yourself and/or your employees.

This would include doctors, lawyers, architects and accountants. These licences are usually obtained from the respective professional organisations.
Business Activity
Certain business activities require a licence or permit. For example, if you wish to sell liquor, you will need to get a liquor licence.

If you need to import or export goods for sale, you will also need a Customs Account with Singapore Customs.

How Can I Find The Right Licence Or Permit?

Use the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) to look for the licences and permits that you need to obtain. OBLS is the Government’s one-stop online licensing portal and is especially useful for start-ups as you no longer need to know which agency to go to in order to get your licence.

You can apply for new licences, renew and terminate licences and permits, and even register your business. You can also manage your licence applications process like save drafts, check the status of your applications and make payment.

What Licences & Permits Do I Need For My Industry?

Find out what some of the more common licences and permits for each industry are in Common Licences & Permits By Industry.
You may also find it useful to talk to people already in your industry to find out the various licences and permits required to ensure you are meeting all compliance requirements.