SFA Food Shop Licence Singapore: 2026 Application Checklist
Quick answer: SFA Food Shop Licence checklist
An SFA Food Shop Licence costs S$195 and is valid for one year. A complete application needs the relevant tenancy and stamp-duty documents plus a layout plan with metric scale, dimensions, kitchen equipment, exhausts, sinks and wash basins clearly shown. Apply through GoBusiness using SingPass or CorpPass. SFA reviews the application and layout, performs pre-licensing checks and gives the final licensing decision.
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Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, canteens, coffee shops and many other retail food outlets generally fall under SFA's Food Shop licensing framework. The applicable licence still depends on the actual business model and premises. Use this 2026 checklist to prepare the documents, scaled layout and fit-out information before applying through GoBusiness.
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Step 1: Confirm the Applicable SFA Licence
SFA groups restaurants, cafes, bakeries, coffee shops, canteens and similar retail outlets under the Food Shop Licence framework. A Food Shop Licence costs S$195 per year. A stall, caterer, temporary fair or food-manufacturing operation may follow a different licence or permit route, so confirm the business type on SFA or GoBusiness before designing around a checklist.
| Business setup | Start with | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, cafe, bakery, takeaway kiosk or canteen | Food Shop Licence | Premises eligibility, layout, equipment and pre-licensing requirements |
| Stall within a coffee shop, food court, canteen or hawker setting | Food Stall or applicable Food Shop route | Whether the stall has its own refreshment area and which operator holds the main licence |
| Catering, food processing, coldstore or manufacturing | Separate SFA licence or registration route | Production, storage, process-flow and inspection requirements |
Step 2: Pre-Application — Required Documents
- SingPass or CorpPass access for the applicant or authorised filer.
- Tenancy or lease agreement plus the IRAS Certificate of Stamp Duty where applicable.
- Scaled layout plan with metric dimensions and the scale ratio clearly stated.
- Kitchen equipment and infrastructure such as exhausts, sinks, wash basins and chillers marked on the plan.
- Refreshment-area boundaries and the relevant food-preparation or service zones shown clearly.
- Other approvals or declarations required for the specific premises and business type.
- Food-handler training information where required at the point of application.
Step 3: Prepare a Reviewable Layout and Fit-Out Scope
SFA requires a scaled layout that clearly identifies the equipment and infrastructure relevant to the food operation. Use the current SFA Food Shop self-checklist for the exact premises instead of relying on a generic fixed count.
Workflow and equipment layout
- Show food preparation, cooking, service, washing and storage activities in the actual proposed arrangement.
- Label major equipment, sinks, wash basins, chillers, exhausts and relevant service points.
- Check the current SFA conditions for segregation and workflow that apply to the menu and premises.
Sinks and wash-hand basins
- Show at least the food-preparation sink and workers' wash-hand basin required by the applicable checklist.
- Mark soap and hand-drying provisions and any additional washing facilities required by the operation.
- Do not assume every concept has the same basin count; confirm the current premises-specific SFA checklist.
Surfaces & Materials
- Walls — use suitable impervious, cleanable finishes to the height required by the current checklist.
- Floors and ceilings — select cleanable finishes suited to the food operation and confirm drainage details.
- Drainage and grease management — show floor traps, waste connections and grease-control scope where applicable.
Pest Control & Hygiene
- Fly screens on all openable windows + back doors
- Mop sink — dedicated, separate from food prep sinks
- Food storage 30cm above floor (FIFO racking)
- Chemical storage room / cabinet — separate from food
- Waste storage area — covered, lidded bins, vermin-proof
Refrigeration & Storage
- Chiller (0-4°C) — fresh food storage
- Freezer (-18°C or below) — frozen storage
- Separate raw / cooked storage zones
- Temperature monitoring devices (digital, with daily log)
Step 4: Application Submission
Submit the Food Shop Licence application on GoBusiness. A practical sequence is:
- Log in with SingPass or CorpPass and choose Food Shop Licence.
- Upload tenancy and stamp-duty evidence, the scaled layout plan and other documents relevant to the concept.
- Respond to layout or document queries from SFA.
- Prepare the completed premises for any required pre-licensing check.
- Complete payment and final requirements when instructed. The published licence fee is S$195 per year.
Step 5: Inspection Day — Prep Checklist
- Kitchen physically operational (water, gas, electrical commissioned)
- All equipment installed and running
- Hand-wash basins working with soap + paper towels stocked
- Refrigeration operating at the required temperature, with monitoring ready
- Fly screens installed and intact
- Floor / wall / ceiling finished and clean
- Grease trap installed and accessible
- WSQ certificates for all food handlers on-site
- Cleaning chemicals stored in dedicated location
- Mop sink installed and functional
- Temperature log book + cleaning schedule visible
- Separate fire-safety and other agency requirements checked where applicable
Step 6: Common Inspection Risks and How to Avoid Them
| Risk | What to verify before submission or inspection |
|---|---|
| Incomplete application | Match the current SFA document list; include tenancy and stamp-duty evidence plus a scaled, dimensioned layout. |
| Wrong licence route | Confirm whether the operation is a food shop, food stall or food manufacturing activity before design is frozen. |
| Layout does not match operations | Show equipment, sinks, wash basins, exhaust, storage, waste flow and customer areas relevant to the actual concept. |
| Premises not inspection-ready | Commission installed equipment and utilities, clean the premises and keep required records or certificates available. |
| Late design changes | Reconcile the as-built layout with the submitted plan before requesting the pre-licensing check. |
Step 7: After Licence Issuance
Once SFA issues the licence:
- Display licence prominently at entrance (mandatory)
- Begin commercial operation
- Schedule renewal calendar (annual, S$195)
- Maintain the food-handler, hygiene and operational requirements that apply to the licence.
- Keep renewal and training dates on the operating calendar.
- Spot inspections can happen any time — keep daily logs
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Design alignment (pre-fit-out) | Concurrent with construction drawings |
| Document preparation | Depends on tenancy evidence, stamp duty and layout readiness |
| Complete-application review | SFA states within 7 working days |
| Layout queries and premises preparation | Depends on the submitted plan and fit-out status |
| Pre-licensing check and final approval | Scheduled and completed according to SFA instructions |
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Related Reading
- How to Open a Cafe in Singapore — 14-week opening playbook
- 8 Restaurant Renovation Mistakes — avoid S$20K+ errors
- F&B Fit-Out Timeline — 12-week reality check
- F&B Fit-Out Singapore — cloud kitchen and specialty F&B
- Restaurant Renovation Singapore — full restaurant scope
- Cafe Renovation Singapore — cafe build playbook
FAQ
How long does SFA review a complete Food Shop Licence application?
SFA states that a complete application is reviewed within seven working days. Total elapsed time also depends on layout acceptance, fit-out readiness, supporting documents and any required pre-licensing check.
Which SFA licence applies to a restaurant, cafe or bakery?
Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food courts, bakeries and similar premises generally apply for a Food Shop Licence. Food stalls and food manufacturing operations follow different licence routes.
Can I apply before fit-out is complete?
The application includes a scaled layout and supporting documents. SFA may require a pre-licensing check after the premises is ready before final approval.
How many sinks or wash basins does my layout need?
Do not rely on one generic basin count. Use the current premises-specific SFA self-checklist and show the required sinks, wash basins and workflow on the scaled layout.
Published: 10 May 2026 · Updated: 31 July 2026 · By FixMove F&B Fit-Out Team. Official references: SFA application process and fees, SFA licence requirements and GoBusiness Food Shop Licence.