Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence
The Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence is required by the Hotels Licensing Board (HLB) for businesses operating as hotels, hostels, or boarding houses in Singapore. The licence expires annually on 31 December, with processing taking up to 30 working days from the date of a complete application or the completion of the e-notice period.
- Validity
- The licence expires on 31 December of every year. Fees for both licences cannot be pro-rated
- Processing time
- Up to 30 working days from date of complete application received, or completion of e-notice period (14 calendar days), or completion of pre-opening in
- Issuing authority
- HOTELS LICENSING BOARD (HLB)
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Who needs the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence permits a business to operate as a hotel, hostel, or boarding house in Singapore, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards for hospitality services.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be issued, several prerequisites must be met: an ACRA Business Profile must be available, along with the URA Grant of Written Permission or Temporary Permission for the premises. Additionally, a BCA Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) or Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) is required, along with documentation of the most recent periodic inspection report if the TOP/CSC is over five years old. A SCDF Temporary Fire Permit (TFP), Fire Safety Certificate (FSC), or Fire Certificate (FC) is also necessary for buildings with an occupant load exceeding 200 persons. Lastly, an e-notice advertisement template must be prepared for publication.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Hotels Licensing Board (HLB) reviews applications by first ensuring all required documentation is submitted. The agency arranges for an e-notice to be published, allowing for public feedback for a period of 14 calendar days. This feedback is considered in the assessment of the application.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications can face delays for several reasons, including incomplete documentation, such as missing fire safety certificates or outdated inspection reports. Additionally, objections raised during the e-notice period can complicate the approval process. Ensuring all prerequisites are met and documentation is complete before submission can help avoid these common pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- ACRA Business Profile
- File format: pdf, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- URA Grant of Written Permission / Temporary Permission
- File format: pdf, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- BCA Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) / Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) / BCA’s Letter of Acceptance of the most recent periodic inspection report of the building.
- Under the Building Control Act, all building owners are required to conduct periodic structural inspections once every 5 years for non-residential buildings.
- If the TOP/CSC is issued more than 5 years ago, please submit documentation of BCA's acceptance of the most recent periodic inspection report of the building.
- File format: pdf, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- SCDF Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) / Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) / Fire Certificate (FC)
- Under the Fire Safety Act, any public buildings use as hotels, hostels, boarding houses, etc. and if the occupant load of buildings is more than 200 persons, the building owners or occupiers must apply/obtain Fire Certificates from the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
- File format: pdf, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
- E-notice advertisement template
- According to the Notice template in PDF format here. The electronic notice ("e-notice") will typically be published on the HLB website within 3 working days from the date in which the e-notice is submitted with complete information to the Board, for a period of 14 calendar days.
- Any notice of objection lodged with HLB within 14 calendar days of the advertisement will be taken into account in the assessment of the application for a Certificate of Registration.
- File format: pdf, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 7 MB
Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence is mandatory for any business intending to operate as a hotel, hostel, or boarding house in Singapore. Without this licence, the business cannot legally operate in the hospitality sector.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally operate as a hotel, hostel, or boarding house, providing accommodation services to guests. This licence ensures compliance with local regulations, enhancing your business's credibility and trustworthiness.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential closure of the business. It is crucial to obtain the necessary licences to avoid legal repercussions.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. While incorporation establishes your business as a legal entity, the hotel licence is specifically required for operating in the hospitality sector. It is advisable to address both processes concurrently to ensure compliance.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, such as missing fire safety certificates or failure to meet building safety standards. Additionally, objections raised during the e-notice period can also lead to application delays or rejections.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can hold the Certificate of Registration and Hotel-keeper's Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all necessary requirements and regulations set forth by the Hotels Licensing Board.
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