If you’re running a business in Singapore, renewing your licence or registration on time is a non-negotiable requirement. But knowing where to start and which platform, fees, and compliance rules apply to you can be confusing, especially if you’re dealing with it for the first time.

business license sectors like ACRA Bizfile and GoBusiness with the steps on how to access them and important tips to remember

This guide simplifies the process. It breaks down what applies to each business type, the required documents, and how to avoid common mistakes that could delay approval or lead to penalties.

Understanding Business Licence Renewal in Singapore

Business licence renewal is mandatory across most sectors in Singapore. Here’s who must comply:

  • Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships & Limited Partnerships: Must renew registration with ACRA via BizFile+.
  • Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) and Companies: Maintain active registration.
  • Industry-specific License Holders: Businesses in food services, real estate, cybersecurity, and other sectors must renew through their sector regulators.

Renewal Deadlines and Validity Periods

  • Renewal can be done up to 60 days before the expiration date.
  • Typical business registration renewal terms are 1 year (S$30) or 3 years (S$90).
  • Late renewals may incur a penalty of up to S$250.
  • Renewal takes about 10 minutes online with immediate approval.

Government Portals for Licence Renewal

There are two primary platforms based on the type of licence you’re renewing: BizFile+ for general business registration (like sole proprietorships and partnerships) and GoBusiness for sector-specific operational licences (like food or cybersecurity).

Each platform has its own submission flow, fee system, and document requirements — knowing where to go first saves time and avoids costly missteps.

Using BizFile+ for ACRA Renewals

BizFile+ is the official digital platform provided by ACRA for managing business registrations and renewals. It caters specifically to entities such as:

  • Sole proprietorships
  • General partnerships
  • Limited partnerships

The process is streamlined and efficient, typically taking around 10 minutes to complete. You’ll receive instant approval upon successful submission and payment.

Steps to renew:

  1. Log in with CorpPass at bizfile.gov.sg
  2. Select “Renew a Business Registration”
  3. Confirm and update your business particulars if required
  4. Upload supporting documents where applicable
  5. Choose your renewal period — 1 year (S$30) or 3 years (S$90)
  6. Make payment using PayNow, eNETS, or a card

Important: To qualify for the 3-year renewal option, all business owners or partners must have fully paid Medisave contributions or be on a valid instalment plan with good standing.

You’ll receive a free updated Business Profile of your entity via email the next working day — a useful document for banking, contracts, and other compliance checks.

Using GoBusiness for Industry Licences

GoBusiness is the central platform for managing sector-specific licences required by various government agencies in Singapore, such as:

  • Food services (SFA)
  • Cybersecurity (CSRO)
  • Real estate (CEA)

The portal offers a user-friendly interface that adapts the application steps based on your specific license type. It also supports document uploads, real-time application tracking, and access to relevant eGuides.

Steps to renew through GoBusiness:

  1. Visit GoBusiness Licensing and log in using your CorpPass.
  2. Go to your dashboard and locate your licence under the “My Licences” section.
  3. Select the appropriate action — “Renew” or “Amend”.
  4. Upload the required documents as specified per the licence type.
  5. Make payment using the available online methods.

Each licence has different prerequisites and validity periods, so it’s important to consult the relevant agency guidelines listed on the GoBusiness portal to ensure full compliance.

Key Compliance Requirements

To renew a business licence in Singapore smoothly, you’ll need to meet several important compliance conditions set by the authorities. Understanding these requirements in advance helps avoid rejection of your application or legal consequences.

CPF Medisave Contributions

Before applying for renewal, ensure that all business owners or self-employed individuals have:

  • Fully paid their Medisave contributions, or
  • Are on a CPF-approved instalment plan with a clean payment history

Medisave compliance is especially crucial for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited partnerships. Non-compliance can prevent successful submission or approval.

Fit and Proper Criteria

Certain industries, regulated by authorities such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) or the CEA, require individuals involved in business operations to meet “fit and proper” standards. This means:

  • No bankruptcy or financial disqualification
  • No history of criminal activity or regulatory breaches
  • Proper conduct in current or past business roles

Make sure all listed officers or partners meet these requirements.

Declaring and Updating Business Particulars

Your application may be denied if ACRA finds outdated or mismatched information. Confirm that the following are current:

  • Business address and contact information
  • List of officers or partners
  • Nature of business activities

Changes should be declared before submitting a renewal request. In some cases, you may need to file a separate amendment application first.

Required Documents for Renewal

Before submitting your renewal application, ensure that all required documents are in place. These help verify your business’s legitimacy and allow authorities to assess eligibility. The documents needed vary slightly depending on your entity type and industry, but most businesses will need to prepare the following:

renewal document requirements for ACRA businesses and industry-specific needs like hygiene reports, logs, and translations

General Requirements

These apply to most businesses, especially those registered with ACRA:

  • Updated business profile (auto-generated after successful renewal)
  • NRIC or FIN of all business owners or partners
  • Fit and proper declarations for industries that require officer eligibility checks

Ensure the details in the documents match those submitted during the application to avoid delays.

Industry-Specific Additions

Regulated businesses may need to submit further documentation depending on the licence type:

  • Food businesses: Hygiene inspection results or training certifications
  • Cybersecurity firms: Operational activity records
  • Finance and real estate: Financial reports, compliance records

If any document is not in English, include a certified English translation. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can lead to rejection or requests for additional information, which can delay the renewal process.

Fees, Payment & Penalties

Renewal Fees for Business Registration (ACRA via BizFile+)

  • Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs):
  • The renewal fee is S$30 for a 1-year renewal.
  • The renewal fee is S$90 for a 3-year renewal.
  • The 3-year renewal option is subject to conditions such as having fully paid MediSave contributions and setting up a regular instalment plan with the CPF Board.
  • Companies (Private Limited Companies):
    • Companies do not require periodic renewal of business registration.
    • Instead, they must comply with annual filing requirements, such as filing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Return (AR).
    • The incorporation fee is a one-time payment of S$315.

Payment Options

Payments for renewal via BizFile+ are made through Inter-Bank GIRO or online payment methods such as credit/debit cards and eNETS.

For GoBusiness licensing (which covers other licenses beyond business registration), accepted payment methods include PayPal, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayNow.

Late Renewal Penalties

If you fail to renew your business registration before expiry, a late renewal fee of up to S$250 may be imposed.

Continuing to operate without valid registration can lead to:

  • Fines of up to S$10,000.
  • Imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both.

For late filing of annual returns or other compliance documents (relevant mainly to companies). Late lodgement fees range from S$50 to S$350, depending on the duration of the delay.

Renewal Timeline and Process

Renewal can be done up to 60 days before the expiry date of the current registration. It’s advisable to renew early to avoid penalties and business disruptions.

After making a payment and submitting a renewal on BizFile+, you can download an updated business registration certificate immediately upon processing.

Comply and Grow with Confidence

If your business licence is due for renewal, don’t wait until the last minute. Check your eligibility, clear your Medisave contributions, and get your documents in order early. Whether you’re using BizFile+ or GoBusiness, being prepared helps you avoid unnecessary fees, delays, or compliance issues.