How to Apply for an SFA Food Shop License in Singapore

If you are planning to open a restaurant, café, food court, or any food retail establishment in Singapore, securing a Food Shop Licence from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is a mandatory first step.

This guide will walk you through the whole application process.

The Coverage of the Food Shop Licence

A Food Shop Licence is required for any business operating as an independent food retail unit where food and/or beverages are sold. This includes restaurants, takeaway kiosks, snack counters, caterers, canteens, coffeeshops, and food courts. The licence costs S$195 and is valid for one year.

It is important that you know the distinction between a Food Shop Licence and a Food Stall Licence. The difference between the two is that a food shop operates as an independent unit while a food stall operates within a food shop.

So if you are setting up an independent establishment, you’ll need the Food Shop Licence.

Essential Requirements Before You Start

Before proceeding with your application, make sure you have completed your business registration with ACRA. This is mandatory.

You’ll need either a SingPass account for individual applications or a CorpPass account for corporate applications. If you don’t have these accounts, register through their official portals before you continue.

If you plan to hire foreign workers, only companies (not individuals) are allowed to do so under MOM regulations. This means your SFA food shop licence must be registered under your company name.

Important Documents to Prepare

Planning Permission/Change of Use Approval

You must obtain approval from URA or HDB to use your premises as a food establishment. This document confirms your location is zoned appropriately for food retail.

Layout Plan Requirements

Your layout plan must include the following:

• A metric scale with dimensions and the scale ratio used (1:X)
• All kitchen equipment and infrastructure (exhausts, sinks, wash basins)
• Clear boundaries of the refreshment area
• File format: DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPG, PNG, or PDF
• Maximum file size: 2MB

Tenancy Agreement

Submit your tenancy agreement together with the Certificate of Stamp Duty from IRAS. This proves your legal right to operate at the premises.

Operational Documents

1. A cleaning schedule that details hygiene maintenance
2. A pest control contract with a licenced provider
3. Food Safety Course Level 1 certificates or Refresher certificates for all food handlers

The 4-Step Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application and Obtain In-Principle Approval (IPA)

Log in to the GoBusiness Dashboard with your SingPass or CorpPass. Go to Licences → Apply Licences → Singapore Food Agency (SFA) → Food Shop Licence. And then complete the application form.

1. Fill in all fields accurately
2. Select if you’re applying as the applicant or on behalf of one
3. Enter your shop’s operating address
4. Provide details of at least one Food Safety Course-certified staff member
5. Add at least one emergency contact
6. Upload your layout plan and supporting documents

If everything is in order, SFA will email you an In-Principle Approval (IPA) within 7 working days. This will include conditions you must meet before final approval. If information is missing, SFA will notify you within 7 days. Incomplete applications are rejected and you must reapply. Always check your email including the spam folder.

Step 2: Commence Renovation and Setup

Once you receive your IPA, start renovation and setup according to your approved layout plan.

Upload any outstanding documents to GoBusiness, such as:

• URA’s Change of Use or HDB approval
• Tenancy agreement + IRAS Certificate of Stamp Duty
• Cleaning programme
• Pest control contract

If you don’t submit all required documents within two months, your application will be void. Apply again only when your documents are complete.

Step 3: Request for Inspection

After setup, request an inspection before opening.  It is indicated in the IPA letter which inspection method applies to your application.

If you are required to undergo a virtual inspection…

1. Book a slot at least 5 working days in advance via https://ifast.sfa.gov.sg/eserviceweb
2. Select “SFA Pre-licensing Inspection Appointment”
3. The inspection will be conducted via Zoom
4. Ensure setup matches your approved plan

If photo submission suffices…

1. SFA will provide a photograph submission template with your IPA
2. Take clear photos of your premises using the template
3. Submit via email as directed

During inspection (virtual or photo review), SFA verifies the following:

• The setup matches the approved layout plan
• Exhaust systems with air-cleaners are installed
• Floor traps for wastewater are in place
• Adequate washing and storage facilities
• All IPA conditions are met

Step 4: Complete Payment for Licence

If you pass inspection, you will receive a payment notification within 7 working days.

You have three options when paying:

1. Online via GoBusiness (credit/debit cards)
2. GIRO (if already set up with SFA)
3. At AXS stations

Once you have completed the payment, self-print your Food Shop Licence from GoBusiness and display it clearly in your shop.

Important Considerations

Environmental Sanitation Requirements

Some retail food shops must implement the mandatory Environmental Sanitation (ES) regime, such as:

• Coffeeshops/Eating houses
• Canteens (various categories including those with catering or stalls)
• Food courts
• Private markets

These establishments must submit their Environmental Sanitation Programme (ESP) to NEA within a month.

Special Requirements

For food caterers, you must:

1. Provide proof of vehicle ownership
2. Implement a Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
3. Ensure that appointed staff hold the WSQ Apply FSMS certificate

For establishments requiring FSMS/HACCP, you:

1. Must submit FSMS Plan including
   1. Company information
   2. Product descriptions,
   3. Flow diagrams with Critical Control Points identified
      
2. Must prepare HACCP charts detailing
   1. Hazards and control measures
   2. Critical limits
   3. Monitoring procedures
   4. Corrective actions

After the Approval of Licence

With renewal in mind, you may want to consider setting up GIRO auto-payment for convenience. Your licence will automatically renew before expiry (2 months before). Application for GIRO may take up to eight weeks for approval so apply early if you plan to start operations soon.

Without GIRO, you must manually renew and pay for your licence through GoBusiness.

Quick Reference

Getting Help

If you have queries or clarifications, submit your questions via SFA’s Online Feedback Form. When you need to contact SFA, provide details about your intended food business, including food items you plan to sell, processing methods, and equipment used.

For work pass matters, contact MOM Contact Centre at 6438 5122.

For technical issues with GoBusiness, refer to the platform’s help resources or user guides available on the portal.

Conclusion

Obtaining your SFA Food Shop Licence is a straightforward process when you know the requirements and the steps to follow when applying for the licence.

Make sure all your documents are ready, your renovation is complete according to approved plans, and that you pass the inspection. You can finish the entire process within a few weeks, fully ready for the operations of your food shop.

Licence is only the beginning. Corporate Services Singapore helps you remain fully compliant with food safety standards and renew the licence so you don’t have to worry about missed deadlines and potential penalties.

For incorporation services and other business concerns, contact us here to discuss them.