Singapore Fitness Studio Legal Checklist: Licenses, Permits, and Insurance Explained
Thinking of opening a fitness studio in Singapore? You’re probably imagining the workouts, the music, and the amazing community you’ll build. But before you roll out the yoga mats or switch on the sound system, there’s one key area to get right: legal compliance.
The good news? Singapore is one of the most business-friendly places in the world. The even better news? You don’t need a special “gym license” to operate here. But there are some critical steps you’ll want to check off your list — from business registration and zoning approvals to music licensing and insurance.
Let’s break it all down in plain English so you can confidently launch your studio without worrying about missing a legal requirement.
Step 1: Register Your Business with ACRA
Every fitness studio in Singapore starts the same way — by registering with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You’ll get a Unique Entity Number (UEN), which is your studio’s official business ID.
You can register as a:
- Sole proprietorship – simple but offers no legal separation between you and the business
- Partnership – if starting with others
- Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – recommended for most studios, as it limits your personal liability
👉 Pro tip: Most studio owners go with Pte Ltd to protect their personal assets.
Step 2: No Special Fitness License Required (Really!)
One of the most common questions new studio owners ask: “Do I need a license to operate a fitness studio in Singapore?”
The answer is: No! Unlike some countries, Singapore does not require a specific operating license for gyms, fitness studios, or wellness centers. Once you’re a registered business, you’re good to go — no fitness authority needs to approve your workouts.
Step 3: Get the Right Zoning for Your Location
While you don’t need a gym license, the space you operate in must be zoned correctly. Not all shophouses, offices, or industrial units can legally host a gym or fitness studio.
Here’s what to check:
- Commercial units: Often allowed, but confirm with your landlord or URA
- Shophouses & offices: May need change-of-use approval from URA
- Industrial buildings: Only certain types (e.g. B1 light industrial) may qualify under specific guidelines
👉 Use URA’s online planning tool or ask your landlord for documentation.
Step 4: Renovations & Fire Safety
Doing a major fit-out? Tearing down walls or adding rooms? You might need approval from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Also, all fitness studios must follow SCDF fire safety regulations, which typically include:
- Exit signs
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting
These are often pre-installed in commercial buildings, but it’s your responsibility to double-check they meet fire code requirements.
Step 5: Music Licensing – Yes, It’s a Thing
If you’re playing music in your studio — whether it’s Zumba, spin, or yoga — you’ll need two music licenses:
- COMPASS or OneMusic license – for using copyrighted music
- Public Entertainment License (if applicable) – depending on your space and music use
Without these, you could face legal penalties for public performance of music.
👉 Fees vary based on your studio size and usage, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year.
Step 6: Keeping it Clean and Safe
There’s no “health license” required, but that doesn’t mean health and safety should be ignored. Even after COVID-19 rules were lifted, good hygiene is still essential.
Follow best practices like:
- Wiping down equipment between classes
- Keeping the studio well-ventilated
- Maintaining reasonable class sizes
Refer to SportSG guidelines for additional safety recommendations for sports and fitness operators.
Step 7: Selling Shakes or Snacks? You’ll Need an F&B License
Planning to offer smoothies, protein snacks, or a coffee corner? Great! But you’ll need a Food Shop License from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Requirements include:
- A food-prep space that meets SFA standards
- At least one staff member with WSQ Food Hygiene certification
⚠️ Selling pre-packed drinks or bars without preparing them on-site? Then you may not need a license.
Step 8: Hiring Trainers or Staff
When it comes to employment, studio owners must follow Singapore’s employment regulations, including:
- CPF contributions for Singaporean or PR staff
- Work permits or Employment Passes for foreign instructors
- Freelance trainers should have contracts in place
Also, under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), you’re required to have insurance for employees who do manual work or earn under $2,600/month.
Step 9: Get the Right Business Insurance
Insurance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it protects your studio financially. Here are three types you should strongly consider:
|
Insurance Type |
Why You Need It |
|
Public Liability Insurance |
Covers accidents or injuries on your premises |
|
Property Insurance |
Covers damage or loss of your equipment and studio |
|
Work Injury Insurance (WICA) |
Mandatory for certain staff and a good idea overall |
Many insurers offer bundled packages tailored for fitness studios.
Step 10: Handle Member Data Responsibly (PDPA)
You’ll likely be collecting member names, phone numbers, email addresses, and even health info — which means PDPA compliance is a must.
Key requirements include:
- Getting clear consent before collecting data
- Stating what the data will be used for
- Allowing clients to unsubscribe from marketing messages
- Keeping the data secure and confidential
Even if you’re a solo founder, you need to appoint a Data Protection Officer (which can be yourself!).
Your Fitness Studio Compliance Checklist ✅
Here’s your at-a-glance list of everything to cover before opening your doors:
- ✅ Registered business with ACRA (UEN obtained)
- ✅ No special gym license needed
- ✅ URA zoning approval for the location
- ✅ BCA approvals if renovating
- ✅ Fire safety certificate & equipment installed
- ✅ Music license from COMPASS / OneMusic
- ✅ Public entertainment license (if applicable)
- ✅ Food Shop License (if selling drinks/snacks)
- ✅ WSQ hygiene training for F&B staff
- ✅ Proper hiring procedures (CPF, work passes, freelance contracts)
- ✅ WICA insurance for employees
- ✅ Public liability + property insurance
- ✅ PDPA compliance for member data
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s a long list — but none of these steps are overly complex, and Singapore’s systems make them fairly straightforward to manage. Now that your legal checklist is sorted, are you curious about what else it takes to start a fitness studio in Singapore? Check out our complete guide to starting a boutique fitness studio in Singapore here.
At Vibefam, we don’t just power studio bookings and class schedules — we’re also your trusted partner in navigating the fitness business landscape in Singapore. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling up, we’re here to help your studio stay compliant, grow strong, and thrive.
Start your free trial today — and see the difference.