Starting a yoga studio in Singapore can be an exciting venture for any yoga enthusiast turned entrepreneur. Singapore’s growing wellness market offers plenty of opportunities – but to open a yoga studio in Singapore successfully, you’ll need to navigate business regulations, find the right space, and plan your finances carefully. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything from business registration (ACRA) and URA zoning to licenses, permits, hiring instructors, startup costs, and more. We’ll also touch on optional but valuable steps like obtaining industry certifications and music licensing. Let’s dive in!
Registering Your Yoga Studio Business (ACRA)
Choose a Business Structure: First, decide how you want to register your yoga studio. The two common options are a sole proprietorship or a private limited company (Pte. Ltd.). A sole proprietorship is simpler and cheaper to set up, but a Pte. Ltd. offers limited liability protection (your personal assets are separated from business debts). Many studio owners opt for a private limited company for liability and credibility, though solo instructors sometimes start as sole proprietors.
Complete the Registration: After the name is approved, proceed to register the business. The fees depend on your business structure:
- For a sole proprietorship or partnership, the registration fee is S$100 (for one year) . You can also choose a 3-year registration at a discounted rate (around S$160). In practice, many refer to S$115 as the upfront cost for a sole-prop (S$15 name + S$100 registration).
- For a private limited company, the incorporation fee is S$300. Together with name reservation, the total ACRA cost is about S$315. You’ll need to prepare some basic information: a brief description of your business activities (select the appropriate SSIC code for fitness or yoga services), particulars of the owner(s) and directors, a registered business address in Singapore, and (for companies) a constitution document.
Tip: If you are a foreigner and would like to start a studio in Singapore, note that you will need to have a local resident director of a company, or use an approved filing agent to register. You will also want to research appropriate work passes (such as an EntrePass) if you plan to work in Singapore. For PRs and Singapore citizens, it is straightforward through the online portals.
(Source: acra.gov.sg)
Choosing a Location and Understanding URA Zoning
Find the Right Space: Securing a suitable location is crucial for a yoga studio. You’ll likely be looking at commercial units – for example, shophouses, retail spaces, or units in commercial buildings. Consider factors like size (even a small studio should comfortably fit a class of say 10–20 mats), accessibility (near MRT or in a neighborhood with your target demographic), and of course rental cost (more on costs later). Busy locations like the Central Business District or heartland town centers can attract more customers but at higher rents.
URA Use Classes: Every property in Singapore has a use category assigned to it by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). For instance, URA’s planning classes include “Sports and Recreation Building” and “Community Sports & Fitness Building” uses. In practical terms, this means that a unit would have to be approved for usage as a gym/fitness studio. If the previous tenant was a fitness studio as well or if the building is already zoned for this type of use, you’re in luck – you may not need to get special permits to run it as your yoga business.
Change of Use (if needed): If the previously approved use of the unit varies (e.g., it was approved as an office or retail shop and you want to use it as a yoga studio), then you might need to apply for a Change of Use with URA. You can check the allowable use of a property by using the [URA SPACE mapping e-service or planning decision archives] – or simply ask the landlord/agent what the approved use is. Many modern commercial buildings have a mix of approved uses.
Key Takeaway: Before leasing, ensure that your intended yoga studio use is allowed or can be approved. Engage the landlord in this process – in many cases they will have prior experience or even apply for Change of Use on your behalf. It’s wise to include a condition in your Letter of Intent or Tenancy Agreement that the lease is conditional upon obtaining URA approval for your intended use, so you don’t end up paying for a unit that you can’t use as a studio.
(Source: dollarsandsense.sg)
License and Permits: What You Need (and Don't Need)
- Fire Safety Renovation Permit: If you are doing substantial renovations (e.g. building partition walls, installing a mezzanine, or changing the use of space), you or your contractor may need to submit plans to SCDF for fire safety approval. For a simple yoga studio layout in a pre-approved unit, often it’s just basic remodeling which may not require permits, but always check with a professional if in doubt.
- No Public Entertainment License Needed: Yoga classes are generally not considered “public entertainment” that would require a license from the Police. A small yoga studio offering classes to members/clients does not fall under that category, as long as you’re not putting on performances.
- F&B or Retail Add-ons: If your studio plans to host an in-studio juice bar, cafe corner, or shopping area for yoga apparel, note that those do come with additional requirements. If you’re simply offering water or plain packaged food to clients, it’s probably safe to assume that you do not need an SFA license. Similarly, the sale of merchandise might require a retail permit if it’s a significant part of your business – usually just including it under your business activities and ensuring URA use class “Shop” is allowed at your unit.
Music Copyright Licensing for Background Music
One often overlooked “license” in fitness businesses is music licensing. If you’re planning to have background music in your yoga classes – whether it’s calming instrumental tunes or a pop playlist for a power yoga session – you need to ensure you’re not infringing copyright. In Singapore, there are two main organizations to deal with:
- COMPASS (Composers and Authors Society of Singapore) – which manages the public performance rights of songwriters and music publishers (the musical composition and lyrics).
- MRSS (Music Rights Singapore) – which manages rights for the sound recordings on behalf of record labels (the actual recorded music).
Getting these licenses is usually simple: you can contact COMPASS and MRSS to declare your business type (small fitness/yoga studio) and they will assign the proper tariff or fee. The fee is usually annual and depends on factors like your studio size or music usage. For example, one-off events like weddings have COMPASS licenses around ~$100, but for a commercial studio expect a few hundred dollars per year combined for both licenses (exact rates can be obtained from the organizations). This allows you to play background music legally in your classes without worrying about copyright infringement.
Hiring Instructors: Employment Considerations for Part-Time and Full-Time Staff
Unless you plan to be the sole instructor for every class at your studio, you will likely hire some yoga instructors, either on a part-time basis, full-time, or as freelancers. Managing staff in Singapore comes with a host of responsibilities as an employer. Here’s what to consider when building your teaching team:
Part-Time and Freelance Instructors: Most small studios employ instructors on a part-time or freelance basis – i.e., a teacher might come in to teach 3 classes a week and be paid per class or per hour. There are two ways to structure this:
- Part-time employee: You sign an employment contract with the instructor but for less than 35 hours/week. You pay them perhaps an hourly rate for classes taught, and they are considered staff (so they receive CPF if eligible, pro-rated leave, etc.). This is simple and keeps you compliant, but you do incur the extra costs (CPF, etc) and administrative headache of an employer.
- Independent Contractor (Freelancer): You sign a contract for service (not an employment contract) with the instructor. They might be a self-employed person or have their own sole proprietorship. You pay them a fee for each lesson (or a monthly fee for a set number of classes), and they pay their own taxes and no CPF is deducted. Essentially, they are more or less a vendor offering teaching services. This is common in the fitness industry to keep manpower elastic and costs elastic.
Both approaches are viable. But beware: referring to an individual as a “freelance instructor” does not necessarily mean labor laws consider them a contractor. If you dictate their schedule, integrate them into the company like staff, and they rely on you as their sole source of income, they might be considered an employee. Singapore courts will look at the actual relationship – if it walks and talks like an employment relationship, labeling it as “contractor” won’t exempt you from obligations.
(Source: twobirds.com)
Estimating Startup Costs to Start a Yoga Studio in Singapore
One of the biggest questions any new studio owner has is: “How much does it cost to open a yoga studio?” The answer will vary significantly based on your studio size, where you’re located, and the add-ons you have. Let’s break down the typical startup costs for a small yoga studio in Singapore, category by category. We’ll use rough estimates and where possible, provide real life examples for reference. Keep in mind, these are estimates – prices will differ depending on your personal plan.
Add Your One-Time Startup Costs:
| Cost Category | Item | Estimated Cost (S$) | Notes |
📝 Registration & Professional Fees | ACRA registration (sole prop or company) | 115 – 315 | S$115 for sole proprietorship; S$315 for company |
| Legal/accounting advice & secretarial services | 500 – 1,000 | Covers lease review, accounting setup, secretarial firm fees | |
| 🏢 Rent Deposit & Advance Rental | Security deposit + 1st month’s rent | ≈ 12,000 | Based on S$4 000/mo + 3 mo deposit |
🔧 Renovation & Fit‑Out | Flooring | 5,000 – 10,000 | Wood/laminate or vinyl @ S$5–10/sq ft (1,000 sqft) |
| Mirrors | 1,000 – 2,000 | S$100–150 per installed panel | |
| Sound system | 300 – 1,000+ | Portable speaker vs built‑in installation | |
| Lighting & décor | 2,000 – 4,000 | Dimmable lights, murals, plants, electrician fees | |
| Reception/retail area | 2,000 – 5,000 | Carpentry and furniture for counter/waiting area | |
| Bathroom/Shower | 3,000 – 5,000 | Plumbing, tiling, heater (many small studios skip shower) |
All in all, a modest renovation for a small studio could be around S$5k–$15k. A more extensive fit-out could easily exceed S$20k. It’s wise to get quotes from a few contractors.
- Equipment and Supplies: The good news is that a yoga studio’s equipment needs are relatively minimal compared to, say, a gym. You’ll need:
|
📦 Item |
Estimated Cost (S$) |
Notes |
| 🧘♀️ Yoga mats | 1,000 | Quality mats at S$30–80 each; order 15–20 (many students bring their own) |
| 📐 Yoga props | 500 – 800 | Sets of blocks, straps, bolsters—cost varies by style and class needs |
| 🔊 Stereo / Music player | 300 – 600 | One or two good Bluetooth speakers |
| 💻 Computer / Tablet & Booking System | 1,000 | Basic laptop/tablet for check‑ins, booking software, barcode/key‑tag scanner |
| ❄️ Fans / Air‑conditioning units | 3,000 – 5,000 (if needed) | Choose an AC‑equipped space; retrofitting AC costs a few thousand |
| 🪑 Furniture & Fixtures | 1,000 – 3,000 | Reception desk, shoe racks, cubbyholes, seating, water dispenser (rent/buy S$200–500), lockers |
A reasonable estimate for equipping a yoga studio would be between S$2k-$5k (without any truly expensive equipment). A real life example quoted at around S$2,304 for yoga equipment for a 20-student studio, which appears very manageable.
(Source: heysara.sg)
- Initial Marketing and Branding: Consider the cost of getting your brand presence set up – logo, maybe a basic website, and initial marketing push. You might hire a designer for a logo/branding package ($300–$1000). A basic website would be ~$500–$2000 (or you can opt for booking software like VibeFam). Printing some flyers, banners, or running an opening promotion will cost a few hundred. Allocate S$1,000-$2,000 for the opening marketing materials. If you are having a grand opening event, include those costs as well (refreshments, etc.).
- Insurance (Startup Coverage): When opening, you’ll want to get your insurance policies in place. The common ones:
- Public Liability Insurance – covers injuries or property damage to third parties (e.g. a student slips and hurts themselves, or your leaking AC damages the unit below). A coverage of say S$1 million liability is often recommended, and would cost a few hundred dollars a year.
- Property/Content Insurance – covers your assets (equipment, mirrors, etc.) against fire, theft, etc. Often sold in a package with public liability.
- Work Injury Insurance – if you have employees, as discussed, this is mandatory. The premium for a small team might be only a couple of hundred a year.
Industrial Certifications and Training (Optional but Recommended)
While there is no legal requirement for fitness instructors or studio owners to hold specific certifications in Singapore, the industry standard is that yoga instructors should be properly trained and certified. This not only ensures safety and quality instruction for your students, but also lends credibility to your studio.
Yoga Teacher Certifications: The most common certification new instructors pursue is the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), typically accredited by Yoga Alliance (an international body). The cost of such a program is usually in the ballpark of S$2,000 to S$4,000, depending on the course and teachers. One source cites an average of about S$2,650 for a 200-hour yoga instructor certification course in Singapore. This is an investment in your skills and is often seen as the minimum qualification to teach yoga classes professionally. If you (the studio owner) are not already certified, you might want to complete a course before opening, or at least soon after – even if you hire other instructors, being knowledgeable yourself is important.
First Aid and CPR: This is highly recommended. Accidents are unlikely in yoga, but can occur (someone may pass out, injure themselves, etc.). It’s a good practice (and sometimes an insurance requirement) that at least you and your lead instructors possess current Standard First Aid with CPR/AED. Courses are short (1-2 days) and cost maybe S$100–$150. Having this knowledge ensures you can respond to emergencies confidently.
Business and Management Skills: Running a yoga studio isn’t just about teaching yoga – you’ll be managing schedules, client relationships, marketing, and more. Consider taking short courses or workshops in small business management, digital marketing, or customer service. Enterprise Singapore and other organizations sometimes offer free or subsidized workshops for new SMEs. While not an “industry certification,” these skills will directly impact your studio’s success.
Conclusion: Ready to Launch Your Yoga Studio?
Opening a yoga studio in Singapore involves many moving parts – from ACRA business registration and URA zoning compliance to sorting out the practical costs of rent and renovations. The journey may seem daunting, but with careful planning, it is absolutely achievable (many have done it!). To recap a few key points:
- There’s no special “yoga studio license Singapore” requirements – focus on your business registration and any necessary change-of-use approvals.
- Hire and manage your instructors in line with Singapore’s labor laws – whether they’re part-time or full-time, ensure contracts are clear and you’re meeting requirements on CPF, insurance, and benefits.
- Make a detailed budget for your startup costs and ongoing costs. Optimistically, some have started a small studio with under $20k capital, but plan for a buffer. It’s better to over-budget than under-budget.
Launching and Managing with Confidence: Once your studio is up and running, you’ll need to manage class schedules, bookings, payments, and client relationships efficiently. This is where a tool like Vibefam’s studio management platform can make your life much easier. Vibefam is a home-grown Singapore solution tailored for boutique fitness studios (like yoga, pilates, gyms) to handle class bookings, payments, and even marketing to your client base. Instead of juggling spreadsheets or basic booking apps, you can use a robust system that lets students book classes online, keeps track of package usage, and sends reminders – all in one place. This not only saves you time but also provides a smooth experience for your customers, which is key to retention.
Ready to transform your studio operations?
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