Get Your SFA Food License in Singapore In These 3 Steps!

Did you know? You can’t sell even one cup of kopi legally in Singapore without a food license approved by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

If you’re planning to open a restaurant, café, or hawker stall, this is the most critical license you need. Without it, your business can’t operate—full stop.

This guide gives you a clear 3-step action plan to secure your food license in Singapore, including what you need before you apply, how the process works, and how to get everything done right the first time. Whether you’re a first-time F&B entrepreneur or launching your second outlet, we’ve got you covered.

TL;DR: How to Get Your Food License in Singapore Fast 🍽️

Want to open a café, restaurant, or food stall in Singapore?
Here’s your 3-step shortcut to securing your SFA Food Shop License:

1. Incorporate your company with ACRA

2. Submit your application with key documents via the GoBusiness portal

3. Pass the SFA inspection for hygiene and layout compliance

👉 You can’t even start the process without a registered business—so let Grof help you set up fast and fully compliant.

• Fast-track your F&B launch.
• Avoid costly delays.
• Get licensed the smart way.

Step 1: Get Your Foundation Right

Before you even begin the SFA application process, ensure these three non-negotiables are in place.

✅ Incorporate Your Company (The First Legal Step)

To apply for any SFA license, you need a legally registered company with ACRA. The license is issued to the business entity—not you personally.

💡 Pro Tip: This is where Grof comes in. We help you incorporate your company quickly and compliantly, giving you the legal status needed to begin your F&B journey.

✅ Secure a Commercial Premise

You’ll need to:

• Sign a tenancy agreement under the company’s name
• Ensure your premises have URA or HDB approval for food retail use
• Have a proper layout for food preparation, washing, and waste disposal

Without these, your application will be rejected or delayed.

✅ Optional : Appoint a Certified Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) 

Some SFA-licensed establishments — like canteens and cold stores — are required to appoint Food Hygiene Officers (FHOs) to help oversee and maintain food safety standards. You must have at least one staff member certified as a Food Hygiene Officer. This means completing the WSQ “Follow Food & Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures” course.

Why it matters: Your food license application cannot proceed without this certificate uploaded.

Step 2: Apply for Your Singapore Food Shop License

Once your business is ready, it’s time to apply for the Food Shop License through SFA.

✅ Submit via GoBusiness Licensing Portal

All applications must be made via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. This is the central hub for all license types in Singapore.

✅ Prepare Your Documents

Get the following documents ready before starting the application:

• 📄 ACRA Business Profile
• 📑 Signed Tenancy Agreement
• 🧾 Food Hygiene Officer Certificate, if required
• 🗺️ Premises Layout Plan (clearly labelled in metric units)
• 🏢 Floor Plan with kitchen and washing areas marked
• 📃 Pest Control Contract (optional but recommended)
• 📋 Cleaning Schedule (daily/weekly)
• 🚚 Vehicle Ownership Proof (if offering food delivery)
• ✅ HACCP or FSMS Plan, if required

You can apply as soon as these documents are in hand. The SFA takes around 5 working days to process your application.

Step 3: Pass the Final Inspection

After submitting your documents, you’ll need to pass one final hurdle.

✅ Schedule the On-Site SFA Inspection

Once approved, SFA will contact you to book a pre-licensing inspection. You’ll need to be physically present at your outlet to receive the officer.

Tip: Book at least 7 days in advance. It takes 1–2 working days to confirm the inspection date.

✅ Prepare to Pass the Compliance Check

To pass the inspection and receive your food shop license, your outlet must meet all hygiene and safety standards. Here’s what inspectors will check:

• 🔧 Handwashing facilities with soap and paper towels
• 🧼 Clean food prep areas, no signs of pests
• 📐 Layout matches your submitted floor plan exactly
• ❌ No unauthorised renovations or structural changes
• 🗑️ Proper waste management facilities

If you pass, the Singapore Food Agency will issue your food license within 7 working days.

Why Grof Is Your First and Smartest Step

While you’ll manage your own SFA application, you can’t even start without a registered company.

That’s where Grof comes in. We handle the most important prerequisite:
fast, compliant company incorporation—so you can get your food license in Singapore without delay.

With Grof, you’ll get:

• 🚀 Quick ACRA registration
• 🗂️ All the documents you need to apply for your license
• 📞 Expert support if you’re stuck on any part of the process

👉 Register your company with Grof today

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is a food license in Singapore?

A Food Shop License costs S$195 per year. If you’re setting up a hawker stall, the cost is S$32 per year. These fees are payable to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

2. What license do I need to sell food in Singapore?

You need an SFA Food Shop License to sell food to the public. Different setups (e.g. home baker, restaurant, hawker stall) may require different types of licensing.

3. Is a home café allowed in Singapore?

No. Home-based food businesses cannot operate as cafés or open to the public, unless your premises are zoned for commercial use with URA/HDB approval.

4. Can a foreigner open a restaurant in Singapore?

Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a business in Singapore. However, you’ll need to incorporate locally and appoint at least one Singapore-resident director or appoint a nominee director to act on your behalf.