BCA Signboard License Singapore: The Step-by-Step Compliance Guide Every Business Needs in 2026

Why Signboard Licensing Matters More Than Most Business Owners Realize

Every year, businesses in Singapore face fines, forced removal of signs, and delays to their openings because they did not verify licensing requirements before ordering their signboard. The most common misconception: 'It is a small sign on my own shopfront — I do not need a license.'

Singapore law is clear: any outdoor advertising sign or signboard visible from a public space requires a valid BCA licence, regardless of size, illumination, or ownership of the building. The only exceptions are narrow and specific. Getting this wrong means removing a sign you just paid to install.

Who Regulates Signage in Singapore?

•      BCA (Building and Construction Authority): Administers outdoor advertising sign licenses through the ALS (Advertisement Licensing System). This is the primary regulatory body for most business signboards.

•      URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority): Sets guidelines on signage placement, size, and aesthetics — particularly in the Central Area, conservation areas, and designated signage zones. BCA defers to URA guidelines during licence assessment.

•      LTA (Land Transport Authority): Governs traffic-related signs, directional signs near roads, and any signage that could distract drivers or affect road safety.

•      HDB (Housing and Development Board): Additional approval required for signs on HDB commercial premises and within HDB estates.

•      Town Councils: May have their own requirements for businesses operating within their estate, particularly for signage on external facades.

When Do You Need a BCA License?

License Required

✔    Shopfront sign, signboard, or lightbox visible from the street or a public corridor

✔    Any sign affixed to a building exterior

✔    Signs in semi-enclosed spaces accessible to the public (e.g. covered walkways, carparks)

✔    Illuminated or animated signs of any size

✔    Signs promoting products, services, or events (advertisements)

Exemptions (No License Needed)

•      Signs displayed entirely indoors and not visible from outside

•      First signboard at your own business premises with total area not exceeding 5m² (fee waiver applies, but compliance with URA guidelines still required)

•      Signs in hawker centres, food courts, and markets (different regulations apply)

•      Signs displayed at free noticeboards at bus stops or low-cost noticeboards near MRT stations

Important: Exemption from the license fee is not the same as exemption from URA guidelines. Even a small exempt sign must comply with size, height, and placement rules for its zone.

The BCA License Application Process (Step by Step)

1.    Register on the ALS portal at go.gov.sg/als using your Singpass (individual) or CorpPass (company). This is mandatory before any submission.

2.    Submit a pre-consultation through ALS before fabrication. Include: site photos, elevation plan showing proposed sign dimensions and position, method of fixing, and layout plan showing surrounding buildings and roads.

3.    Await BCA review: standard processing is 7 working days if all documents are submitted correctly. If URA review is also required (Central Area, conservation zones, or large signs), allow an additional 2 weeks.

4.    Receive in-principle approval. Do not begin fabrication until this is received.

5.    Submit formal application with final drawings, structural calculations (if sign exceeds 10m²), and any required Qualified Person (QP) certification.

6.    Obtain Permit to Use (PTU) from CORENET if your sign exceeds 10m² and is supported by an advertising structure.

7.    Make payment. License fees are calculated based on sign size and type. The minimum fee is $20 for a one-month period.

8.    Receive license via email. Display the license number on the sign as required.

URA Signage Zones: Why Location Changes Everything

Central Area

Advertisements are only permitted along designated signage routes such as Orchard Road, New Bridge Road, and parts of Raffles Place. Strict height, size, and illumination limits apply. Non-designated streets in the Central Area have extremely limited signage rights.

Conservation Areas

URA's conservation guidelines apply to shophouses and heritage buildings across Singapore — Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Boat Quay, and others. Signage must be positioned within specified zones on the facade (typically the frieze or lintel), must not obscure architectural features, and large illuminated lightboxes are generally not approved. The sign must harmonise with the building's heritage character.

Outside Central Area (General Commercial Zones)

More flexibility applies, but restrictions still govern total facade coverage (no more than 15m² or 15% of the facade, whichever is smaller), maximum height (no more than 15 metres or three storeys), and illumination standards. Signs in these zones are more straightforward to licence for a compliant signage company.

Structural Requirements for Larger Signs

Any sign or advertising structure that: (a) exceeds 10m² in area and is supported by a structure, or (b) is roof-mounted, requires a Permit to Use from BCA. This involves submission of structural engineering drawings prepared and endorsed by a Licensed Structural Engineer or Professional Engineer. The structural drawings must demonstrate that the sign can withstand Singapore's wind loads and dead loads without endangering public safety.

Signage License Fees in Singapore (2026)

Signage Type / Service	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Signboard (per m², per year)	$8 – $12 per m²
Advertisement (per m², per year)	$15 – $25 per m²
Animated/digital billboard	$50 – $200+ per m² per year
Temporary event signage (per month)	From $20 minimum
Permit to Use (structural signs >10m²)	$50 – $200 depending on area
First signboard exemption (own premises, ≤5m²)	Fee waived (conditions apply)

How a Signage Company Manages the License Process for You

Most established signage companies in Singapore offer to manage the BCA application as part of the project. This is strongly worth taking up, because:

•      Experienced companies know what documentation BCA requires at each stage, avoiding rejections that add weeks to the timeline.

•      They know which URA zone your site falls under and design accordingly — preventing fabrication of a sign that cannot be licensed.

•      They maintain relationships with licensed structural engineers for larger sign projects requiring a PTU.

•      They handle the ALS portal submissions, follow-up communications, and licence renewals.

Always confirm in writing that the signage company is handling licensing as part of the project scope, and ask to see the license once received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I display a sign without a license in Singapore?

BCA can require immediate removal of the unlicensed sign at your expense. Fines may also apply. If the sign is in a conservation area or poses a safety risk, enforcement action is typically swift. This is not a risk worth taking when the licensing process is straightforward.

Can I submit the BCA application myself without a signage company?

Yes. The ALS portal is accessible to any SingPass holder. However, preparing the required drawings, site plans, and elevation plans to a standard BCA will approve requires technical knowledge. Most business owners find the process easier through a signage company that handles it routinely.

How often does the license need to be renewed?

Sign licenses in Singapore are annual and must be renewed each year via the ALS portal. From April 2025, GIRO auto-renewal is the default method. An unlicensed sign (because the renewal lapsed) is subject to enforcement in the same way as a never-licensed sign.

Does my indoor sign also need a BCA license?

Signs that are entirely indoors and not visible from any public space or public corridor are generally exempt. However, signs in semi-enclosed but publicly accessible spaces — covered walkways, common areas of buildings, carpark levels — may require a license. Check the specific definition of 'outdoor' in the Building Control (Outdoor Advertising) Regulations if uncertain.

Ready to Get Started? Talk to Advert & Signs Today

Advert & Signs (www.advertandsigns.com) is a custom signage specialist based in Singapore, serving businesses across all industries — from F&B hawker stalls and retail shopfronts to corporate offices and industrial facilities.

Every project starts with a listening session, not a sales pitch. The team guides you from concept through to fabrication and installation, with a WOW-factor guarantee built into every job.

WhatsApp or call Advert & Signs at 9862 5243 for a free site consultation and quotation. Located at 16C Tuas Ave 1, #09-53 JTC Space @ Tuas, Singapore 639535. Visit www.advertandsigns.com to view the full signage portfolio