Get a Food Shop Licence to operate a food shop (e.g. eating house, coffee shop, food court, canteen or market).

Fast facts

Licensing Agency	National Environment Agency (NEA)
Cost Of Licence	S$60 - S$120 (1-year licence)
Minimum Licence Processing Time	5 working days

When do I need this licence?

• You need to apply for a Food Shop licence to operate a food shop which retails food and/or drink. A food shop can consist of individual food stalls which retail food and/or drink.

  Examples of food shops:

  • eating houses, coffee shops, food courts snack and drink counters
  • cake shops and bakeries without seating areas
  • food courts
  • restaurants (e.g. casual dining and fast food restaurants)
  • market produce shops
  • food caterers
  • markets
  • cafes
    
    
• You should apply for the Food Stall Licence if you are operating a food stall in a privately-owned food shop.
  
  
• You should apply for the Hawker Stall Licence if you are operating a food stall in a Government-owned food shop (e.g. hawker centre or market operated by HDB, JTC or NEA).

Who is eligible to hold this licence?

• Individuals who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, and at least 21 years old.
  
  
• Companies registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
  
  
• Societies registered with the Registrar of Societies.
  

Who is not eligible to hold this licence?

• Anyone, company or society who has had their licence previously revoked by the NEA.
  
  
• Sole-proprietorships and partnerships cannot apply under their business. Instead, the business owners must apply as individuals.
  

What are the licence fees?

• S$120 (1-year licence) – Standalone food shops
  
  
• S$60 (1-year licence) – Food shops in entertainment outlets such as bars and clubs.

What laws & regulations do I have to comply with before I can obtain this licence?

1. Before applying, you must secure a location for your food stall and obtain