Business Incorporation
Now that you have decided that Singapore is the ideal location for opening your restaurant, the first order of business is to setup a Singapore company. For detail, see Singapore company incorporation guide.
Food Shop License for Restaurant
Once you’ve completed the registration of your company and addressed relocation visa matters, the next crucial step is identifying an optimal space that aligns with your menu offerings and target market. According to the Environmental Public Health Act, obtaining a Food Shop License from the National Environment Agency (NEA) is mandatory for establishments retailing food and/or drinks. It’s important to note that finalizing the restaurant’s location should precede the application for the Food Shop License, as authorities conduct inspections before granting approval.
The Food Shop License application requires the submission of the following supporting documents:
1. Compliance with the Code of Practice of Environmental Health (COPEH) and operational requirements for food shops, including aspects like minimum kitchen size, refuse management, noise control, and cooking fumes control. These requirements will be verified during a pre-licensing check of the premises after renovations and equipment installation.
2. Approval from the land agency, such as URA and HDB (planning permission from land agencies).
3. Tenancy agreement.
4. Details of the applicant:
– For individuals: Both sides of NRIC.
– For companies: Information Business Profile from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
– For societies: Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Societies.
5. Basic food hygiene certificate/refresher food hygiene certificate for food handlers.
6. Food hygiene officer certificate (required for Food Caterers, Restaurants, Food courts, and Canteens only).
7. Cleaning program.
8. A scaled metric layout plan of the premises showcasing the kitchen, preparation area, refreshment area, toilets, stores, etc.
9. Pest control contract covering the control of rodents, cockroaches, and flies throughout the licensing period. Inspections must occur at least once a month to detect signs of pest infestation.
10. Supplementary Information form capturing details like business name, types of food sold, operating hours, etc.
11. Food Safety Management Plan (with critical control points identified) or proof of registration for the “WSQ Apply FSMS for Food Service Establishments” course (applicable to Food Caterers only).
12. Photos illustrating the interior and exterior of the catering vehicle.
13. Vehicle log card or tenancy agreement for a rental vehicle to prove ownership of the catering vehicle.
14. Cleaning program for the catering vehicle.
To get a Food Shop License for your Singapore restaurant, apply online. It takes about 1-2 weeks. There’s a pre-licensing inspection of your restaurant site, which can affect processing time. If everything is in order, you’ll get in-principle approval and hygiene requirements to follow.
After submitting your Food Shop License application, you can start setting up or renovating your Singapore restaurant based on the approved layout plan. Once the setup is done, notify the NEA for a site inspection to ensure compliance with hygiene requirements. After verification, the license will be issued, and remember to renew it annually.
