Most corporate events in Singapore need at least one approval, and the lead times are longer than
people expect. This page collects the official sources in one place, with what each one is actually
for. Every link goes to a government portal, not a summary of one.
This is signposting, not legal advice. Requirements change and depend on your venue, format and
audience — confirm your specific case with the issuing agency.
Public Entertainment Licence (Singapore Police Force)
A Public Entertainment or Arts Entertainment licence is required to provide any entertainment
unless the activity is exempted, as defined in the First Schedule of the Public Entertainments Act.
Applications are submitted through the GoBusiness portal using SingPass.
Processing time: approximately 3 weeks from receipt of the application and any
supporting documents. For an establishment licence you will also need planning permission from URA,
SLA or HDB covering the land use.
Notice of intention to organise an event
Separate from the entertainment licence, some events require the police to be notified in advance.
Which events this covers depends on the format, location and expected attendance.
Arts Entertainment Licence (IMDA)
Where the programme includes arts performances, the Infocomm Media Development Authority handles
the relevant licensing rather than the police.
Fire safety (SCDF)
Temporary structures, staging, crowd capacity and means of escape fall under the Singapore Civil
Defence Force Fire Code. This matters most for outdoor builds, marquees and any event changing the
normal occupancy of a space.
Industry and destination resources
- Singapore Tourism Board — MICE industry development
- VisitSingapore — MICE venues and planning
- GoBusiness — all Singapore business licences
Practical sequencing
The three-week licensing window is the constraint that catches most first-time organisers. Venue
and date need to be confirmed before you can apply, and planning permission documents take their own
time to assemble — so the licence application is rarely the first thing you can do, but it should be
among the earliest.
If you would rather not manage this yourself, handling permits and agency liaison is part of what
we do. Tell us what you are planning.