Singapore Food Truck Licence Requirements: Everything You Need

Starting a food truck in Singapore means you'll need four key licenses. Each one makes sure you meet specific rules and regulations. Usually, it takes about 6-8 weeks to get everything in order if your paperwork and inspections are all set. Being clear on each step helps you avoid expensive holdups and makes sure you're fully compliant with the law. Looking at the bigger picture, Singapore's food market is expected to hit US$12.66 billion by 2025, and globally, the food truck scene is genuinely taking off, growing from $19.4 billion in 2022 to a predicted $26.3 billion by 2027. This growth highlights how really important proper licensing is if you want to make the most of Singapore's expanding mobile F&B buzz.

Licence 1. Business Registration with ACRA

Before you even think about food permits, you'll need to register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). This step officially creates your business—and that's important because food licenses are given to businesses, not individuals. There's no skipping this part, as the SFA needs a valid business registration before it can even start looking at any food-related permits.

Types of Business Structure

You can pick between a Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd), Sole Proprietorship, or Partnership. Most F&B businesses tend to go for Pte Ltd, largely because of the tax perks and easier access to government funding. A Private Limited Company also gives you better protection for your personal assets and more credibility if you plan to grow your business. Keep in mind that Sole Proprietorship is only for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and those with an EntrePass.

ACRA registration usually takes about one business day. Once you've submitted everything, you'll get your official company registration documents by email, including your ACRA BizFile, which you'll need for your next license applications.

Licence 2: Food Shop Licence from SFA

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is the body that issues the Food Shop Licence, and it's something every food establishment, including mobile vendors, must have. What you have to apply includes:

• A valid WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 1 certificate for all food handlers when you apply
• A tenancy or lease agreement for where you'll operate
• The Certificate of Stamp Duty from IRAS for that tenancy agreement
• A layout plan, with measurements and metric scale, showing how your truck is set up
• CorpPass or SingPass details for submitting your application online
• A letter of authorization if someone else is applying on your behalf

The SFA usually processes applications within about 7 working days once they have all your complete documents, and the application fee is S$195 each year, and is needed to renew annually. From what we see in the industry, you should probably set aside S$600-1,500 each year for all your compliance costs, including renewals and getting your certifications.

Licence 3: Mobile Food Vendor Licence

The Mobile Food Vendor Licence is specifically for food trucks, making sure they follow health and safety rules that are unique to mobile operations. If you plan to operate in public spots, you'll need to apply for this licence through the National Environment Agency (NEA). Food trucks have a few operational limitations that stationary restaurants don't. For example, you can't just set up shop anywhere you like—you need to operate in special NEA-approved zones, private car parks that have agreements, or authorized event locations. Just parking on the roadside and selling is not allowed. This is because Singapore's urban planning focuses on keeping commercial activities organized and managing traffic smoothly.

Moreover, if you're going to operate in specific spots, food truck operators also need to apply for URA Temporary Permission through the Urban Redevelopment Authority. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks to process and costs S$107. It's what gives you the green light to run your mobile business in those specific areas.

Licence 4: Food Hygiene Certificate Requirements

This rule is really important for protecting public health and making sure food safety practices are consistent. It's especially critical in Singapore, with its tropical climate and dense population. Every person who handles food must get and keep up-to-date safety certifications, both before and during operations.

The WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 1 (which used to be called the Basic Food Hygiene Course) became a must-have for all food handlers as of July 1, 2023. This is a comprehensive 8-hour course, which includes 6.5 hours of training and 1.5 hours for assessment that covers food safety steps, keeping things clean, and maintaining your premises.

The assessment includes a mix of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), Short Answer Questions (SAQ), and practical tasks. If you pass, you'll get a Statement of Attainment (SOA) from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). You have to attend 100% of both the classroom and practical training.

Food handlers with an FSC Level 1 certification are good for up to 5 years. SFA rules state that if your FSC Level 1 was more than 5 years ago, you'll need to do a refresher course before you can apply for licenses.

Additional Permits

Depending on what your food truck offers, you might need a few more permits:

• Liquor Licence: This is a must if you plan to serve alcohol or alcoholic drinks.
• Entertainment Licence: You'll need this if you're providing live entertainment where your food truck operates.
• Vehicle Commercial Licensing: Through the Land Transport Authority (LTA), this ensures your vehicle meets commercial standards. Expect to pay roughly S$100-400, depending on your vehicle type.

Compliance Record Management

Keeping good records of your compliance is really important for smooth renewals and inspections. Modern restaurant management systems can be really helpful here, allowing you to track when licenses need renewing, when staff certifications expire, and keeping all your necessary documents in one place. Digital systems, like FoodDocs, can even automatically monitor food safety compliance, sending real-time alerts if something is off and providing thorough reports for regulatory checks.

Let Eats365 Assist when You're Focused on Starting-Up

Navigating Singapore's food truck licensing may seem complex, but it's a crucial step towards a thriving mobile F&B business. While securing these crucial permits, remember that managing day-to-day operations smoothly is key. With Eats365's comprehensive restaurant POS system, you can streamline operations, from order taking to payment aggregation, freeing up your time to focus on compliance and growth. Inquire with Eats365 today to discover how our solutions can empower your food truck venture in Singapore!

FAQs on food truck business in Singapore

What essential licences are needed for a food truck business in Singapore?

A: You need four key licences: Business Registration with ACRA, Food Shop Licence from SFA, Mobile Food Vendor Licence from NEA, and Food Hygiene Certificate for all handlers. Additional permits may apply if selling alcohol or providing entertainment.

How long does it take to get the licences to start a food truck business in Singapore?

A: Business registration through ACRA usually takes one business day, the Food Shop Licence takes about 7 working days after inspection, and Mobile Food Vendor Licence and URA Temporary Permission can take 2-8 weeks altogether if paperwork and inspections proceed smoothly.

How does Eats365 help with licence and compliance management for food truck businesses?

A: Eats365 doesn’t directly handle the licensing process or record keeping for compliance. However, our platform helps food truck operators run more efficiently by streamlining kitchen workflows, supporting online ordering, and integrating multiple payment methods — all while keeping the flexibility that mobile operations need. This gives food truck businesses more time to focus on daily operations and stay ready for wherever their next location takes them.

What business structures are best for starting a food truck business in Singapore?

A: Most food truck owners choose a Private Limited Company for tax benefits, asset protection, and better credibility, though Sole Proprietorship and Partnership are options with different eligibility and liability implications.

How significant is food safety certification for food truck operators in Singapore?

A: Food handlers must complete the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, valid for 5 years with required refresher courses, as SFA mandates this for licence approval, ensuring safe handling especially in Singapore's tropical climate.

In what ways can Eats365 improve operational efficiency for Singapore food trucks?

A: Eats365 offers POS solutions that integrate real-time order management, inventory tracking, and compliance documentation, reducing administrative hassles and enabling food truck owners to focus more on growing their business.