Confirm your unit's change-of-use route
URA requires planning approval before you use a unit as an F&B outlet.
URA requires planning approval before you use a unit as an F&B outlet. If your unit already qualifies (for example, it was last used for a similar purpose), you can lodge online instantly for $150. If it doesn't pre-qualify, you need full Written Permission instead — $500 and about 10 working days.
Fitting out or trading from a unit without the correct planning approval is an offence under the Planning Act — URA can require you to stop operating or reinstate the unit, which is a disaster once you've already spent on fit-out.
$150 if your unit pre-qualifies for instant lodgment.
Covers the full Written Permission route if lodgment isn't available for your unit.
Who this is for
Every new F&B unit, whether a brand-new fit-out or taking over an existing unit.
Instant lodgment is only available if the unit already qualifies — check your unit's planning history before assuming it does.
What you’ll hold
- URA lodgment or Written Permission approval
- Tenancy agreement noting the approved use
Watch out for
- Signing a lease or starting fit-out before confirming the unit qualifies for lodgment — if it doesn't, you're into the slower $500 Written Permission route and may need to adjust your plans.
- Assuming any prior F&B use pre-qualifies the unit for lodgment — the pre-qualifying rules are specific about matching use type, not just "there was a restaurant here before."
- Not keeping the approval on file — your Food Shop and liquor licence applications, and any future inspection, may ask for it.
Sources
- URA — Change of Use Lodgment checked 2026-09-08
- URA — Change of Use of Property for Business checked 2026-09-08
See also
This is item 3 of 36 in the free Singapore Launch Checklist. See the whole list →