Massage Establishment Licence [MEAPL001]
The Massage Establishment Licence is required by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for any business providing massage services in an establishment. Validity can be 1, 2, or 3 years, with processing typically completed in 4 weeks.
- Validity
- 1, 2 or 3 Years
- Processing time
- 4 weeks
- Issuing authority
- SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE (SPF)
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Who needs the Massage Establishment Licence [MEAPL001]
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Massage Establishment Licence [MEAPL001]
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 Massage Establishment Licence permits a business to operate an establishment that provides massage services, which includes any premises used for the reception or treatment of individuals seeking massage.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several prerequisites must be met. These include obtaining a Letter of Approval from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) confirming that the premises can provide massage treatments. Additionally, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) must grant planning permission for the change of use of the premises to a 'Massage Establishment'. A detailed floor plan of the establishment must also be prepared, showing the total floor area and drawn to scale. Furthermore, if upgrading to a Category I Licence, Case Trust Accreditation is required. Uniform photographs of staff must be submitted, showing the full front, side, and rear views, along with close-up shots of company nametags.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Singapore Police Force reviews the application by assessing the completeness of the documentation submitted. This includes verifying the approvals from HDB and URA, as well as ensuring that the floor plan meets the necessary specifications. The agency may also conduct inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Massage Establishment Licence can stall for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing approvals from HDB or URA, or discrepancies in the floor plan. Additionally, failure to meet the uniform requirements or not having the necessary accreditation for upgrades can lead to delays. Ensuring all prerequisites are thoroughly addressed before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Letter of Approval from HDB
- Approval letter from HDB for Outlet/ Premise to provide massage treatments or other related.
- File format: pdf, jpg, gif, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- URA Planning Permission
- Permission granted for Outlet/ Premise Change of Use to ''Massage Establishment'' by URA
- File format: pdf, jpg, gif, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Case Trust Accreditation
- This is applicable for upgrade to CAT I Licence.
- File format: pdf, jpg, gif, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
- Uniform Photograph(s)
- Coloured photograph(s) showing the full front, side and rear view of the staff uniform (top with sleeves and pants for the bottom). The uniform must have either the company/establishment name on it or the staff must don a company nametag. Please also include a close-up shot of the company nametag.
- File format: pdf, jpg, gif, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 5 MB
- Floor plan of the establishment
- The floor layout of the establishment must be drawn to scale and indicate the total floor area in (SQM).
- File format: pdf, jpg, gif, doc, docx
- Maximum upload per application: 2 MB
Massage Establishment Licence [MEAPL001] FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Massage Establishment Licence is mandatory for any business intending to provide massage services in Singapore. Operating without this licence can lead to legal penalties and the closure of the establishment.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally offer massage services to clients in your establishment. This includes various types of massages aimed at relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without a Massage Establishment Licence can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and potential closure of the business. It is crucial to obtain the necessary licence before commencing operations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. This can include missing approvals from HDB or URA, or failure to provide a compliant floor plan. Ensuring all required documents are submitted accurately is essential.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Massage Establishment Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Singapore Police Force.
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