Setting up a spa in Singapore can be a rather profitable business given the affluent nature of the population. This article will spell out the required licences as well as the requirements when setting up a spa in Singapore.
The Massage Establishment Act states that a Massage Establishment (ME) License is required in order to offer massage, foot reflexology, manicure treatments, spa bats and other related services and treatments. There are two categories of ME licences, namely Category 1 and Category 2.
Before applying for an ME licence, a company has to be incorporated. Here is an article spelling out the steps to incorporate a Singapore company.
Steps to Incorporate a Singapore Company
To apply for a ME licence, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application;
- Be fit and proper;
- Hold a valid Employment Pass or Work Permit in Singapore if he or she is a foreigner.
Criteria to obtain a Category 1 Massage Establishment Licence:
The company must have fulfil the following criteria:
- Have a minimum capital investment of SGD$50,000 (this can be spent on renovation or rent or in the acquisition of assets for the business)
- Have at least 80 per cent of the spa’s therapists and/ or masseuses having one of the following professional qualifications:
– Comite International d’esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO) International Beauty Diploma;
– Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) Diploma in Beauty Therapy Services;
– CIBTAC Award in Body Massage or Diploma in Body Massage and CIBTAC Diploma in Anatomy Physiology and Pathology;
– CIBTAC Diploma in Spa Therapy;
– International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) Beauty Specialist Diploma;
– ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma;
– National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) Skills Standards Package 1 & 2;
– National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) in Spa and Aesthetic Therapy;
– National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) in Beauty Therapy;
– Higher NITEC in Beauty & Spa Management;
– Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) for the Spa Sector under the Tourism WSQ Framework. - Obtain a CaseTrust Accreditation for Spa and Wellness Businesses.
- Company issued uniforms for its staff.
- The floor area of the spa must be at least 100 square meters or the lease duration of the premise must be for a minimum period of two years.
Category 1 ME licence holders are permitted to operate in shophouses, HDB neighbourhood centres, private shopping centres, commercial complexes and hotels.
Criteria to obtain a Category 2 Massage Establishment Licence:
- Have at least 80 per cent of the spa’s therapists and/ or masseuses having one of the following professional qualifications:
– Comite International d’esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO) International Beauty Diploma;
– Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) Diploma in Beauty Therapy Services;
– CIBTAC Award in Body Massage or Diploma in Body Massage and CIBTAC Diploma in Anatomy Physiology and Pathology;
– CIBTAC Diploma in Spa Therapy;
– International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) Beauty Specialist Diploma;
– ITEC Holistic Massage Diploma;
– National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) Skills Standards Package 1 & 2;
– National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) in Spa and Aesthetic Therapy;
– National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) in Beauty Therapy;
– Higher NITEC in Beauty & Spa Management;
– Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) for the Spa Sector under the Tourism WSQ Framework.
Category 2 ME licence holders must be set up away from residential areas, hospitals, schools, places of worship and HDB residential areas.
Other requirements (these are for both category 1 and 2)
- Approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to operate as a spa (Change of Use Application)
- Approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) to make additions and alterations (if the premise is a conservation building)
- Approval from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to display your signboard (if the premise is a conservation building)
- Approval from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (if you plan to do any fire safety works)
- There must be no locking device on the doors of the massage or treatment rooms
- There must be no warning device to alert staff of the arrival of enforcement officers
- All rooms must be numbered and the numbering must be shown on the layout plan
- Rooms that are used by staff should have a proper “no entry” sign to prevent unauthorised customers from entering
- Segregation of male and female areas if the establishment caters to both male and female customers
Application Procedure
The following documents are to be submitted to the Singapore Police Force:
- A No Objection Letter (NOL) from the building management or landlord for the use of premises as a spa;
- A copy of the URA planning permission for the proposed use of premises as a health centre or spa;
- A copy of the therapists’/ masseuses’ training certificates that are duly recognised by the Police Licensing Division;
- A list of particulars of all employees including their name, Singapore identity card number or passport details, the position held in the company and certifications attained.
Category I licensees must submit the following additional documents:
- A list of the renovation/asset/rental costs invested together with the respective documentary proof such as renovation receipts, receipts of payment, etc.;
- Documentary proof that the spa is accredited by CaseTrust under the Accreditation for Spa and Wellness Businesses Scheme;
- Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD) Building Plan Reference Number (The number can be obtained by submitting a layout plan to the Fire Safety & Shelter Department);
- Photograph(s) showing the front, side and rear view of the staff uniform;
- Floor plan of the spa stating the total floor area; and
- Tenancy agreement with the landlord for the premises use stating the length of lease or Certificates of Title or Land Deed (where applicable).
It takes about 12 working days to process an application. If successful, a non-transferable license will be issued for a one-year validity period. A license fee of S$525 is payable within 3 weeks from the date of application approval. All spas must adhere to the Massage Establishment Rules as well as the Licensing Conditions depending upon whether they hold a Category I License or a Category II License.
If you are looking to set up a spa in Singapore, you can contact our company for our company incorporation and licence application services at [email protected].
When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced ACRA Filing Agent.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Secretary Services
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