How to Form an Entertainment or Recreation Business in Singapore

The definition for entertainment and recreation business is broad. It can be a fishing farm or a Kelong where you can fish for prawns; a karaoke lounge or nightclub; or a miniature golf park and more. If you are interested in starting such a business, you will need to first secure a premise that is zoned for commercial use and approved for entertainment and/or recreation use by Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA). You must then register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA). Your business must register as a sole proprietorship, partnership or a private limited company.

Securing a Premise

Once you have secured a space, do make sure that it is current on building codes and fire safety measures. If the existing premise is not set up to accommodate an entertainment or recreation establishment, you can discuss with the landlord to apply for a Change of Use with the Urban Redevelopment Board. Depending on the type of recreation or entertainment business you plan to have, the facility may or may not have stringent guidelines in the design and layout, so it will be worthwhile for you to do the research for the specific entertainment or recreation business you intend to set up to avoid rejection when inspected.

Any major renovation of the premise requires an application for a building work permit through Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). When the building works are complete, you will also need to obtain from BCA: a Certificate of Statutory Completion and/or a Temporary Occupation Permit before you can occupy the space. All renovation works are to be performed by certified or licensed contractors including architects. A business signage that is to be placed on the building will require an application of an Advertisement License from BCA. You will also need a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) prior to occupying the building. You can obtain an FSC from Singapore Civil Defense Force through a registered architect or engineer.

Additional Licenses & Permits

Depending on the type of business and how you plan to set up the premise, you may or may not need the following licenses and permits:

1. Two licenses are required to play recorded, copyrighted music on your business premise. You will need to apply for a Public Entertainment License from Singapore Police Force (SPF) and
2. a Copyright License from the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore.

The premise may or may not include food service. If you plan to serve food and beverages, you will need to apply for license/permit to do so. To learn more about setting up a food establishment, please see our article on  How To Apply for a Restaurant License.

Rikvin is Singapore’s leading company incorporation specialist. We can help you register your company with ACRA in less than 24 hours. Our comprehensive corporate services can provide you with a customized service that includes application for pertinent licenses and permits that you require to set up an entertainment or recreation business. To learn more about our Incorporation Services please go to Singapore Company Incorporation Services.