How Long Does It Take to Make a Signboard in Singapore?

Short answer: A printed sign can be ready in days. A fabricated shopfront sign usually takes a few weeks from the first site visit to switch-on, and most of that time is approvals, not making the sign. Start at least [confirm: 4 to 6] weeks before your opening date, and earlier for conserved shophouses, large signs or anything needing a Professional Engineer.

The stages of a signboard project

Stage	What happens	Typical duration
1. Enquiry and site survey	Photos, measurements, wall and power check	[confirm: 1 to 3 working days to schedule]
2. Design and quotation	Concept, drawing, materials, price	[confirm: 2 to 5 working days]
3. Landlord or management approval	Mall, MCST or Town Council reviews the drawing	Depends on the landlord; often 1 to 3 weeks [confirm]
4. BCA license (outdoor signs)	Application via the Advertisement Licensing System	About 7 working days, plus about two weeks if URA evaluation is needed (BCA's guidance)
5. Fabrication	Cutting, welding, printing, wiring, testing	[confirm: 1 to 3 weeks by sign type]
6. Installation	Fixing, electrical connection, testing	Usually 1 day; night work in some malls

Stages 3 and 4 can overlap with design work, but fabrication should wait until the design is approved. Making a sign first and applying later is the most common cause of costly rework.

Why approvals take the longest

A sign is a licensed structure. Outdoor signs in Singapore generally need a BCA license, and the application needs elevation and section drawings, the building owner's consent and, for units managed by a Town Council, the Town Council's written consent (BCA). Collecting consents from owners, landlords and managing agents is often the slowest part.

Some sites add steps. Signs on conserved buildings need URA's conservation clearance, either through BCA or applied for directly. Large signs on their own structure, over 10 m², need a Permit To Use submitted by a Professional Engineer before the license is granted (BCA). Lamp-post banners along Orchard Road need the Orchard Road Business Association's endorsement first.

How long fabrication takes by sign type

Sign type	Typical fabrication time
Banners, foam boards, stickers	[confirm: 1 to 3 working days]
Printed acrylic or aluminum panels	[confirm: 2 to 5 working days]
Lightbox	[confirm: 1 to 2 weeks]
3D acrylic letters	[confirm: 1 to 2 weeks]
3D stainless steel letters	[confirm: 2 to 3 weeks]
LED neon	[confirm: 1 to 2 weeks]
Pylon or large structural sign	[confirm: 3 weeks or more]

Lead times stretch around Chinese New Year and at the end of the year, when many businesses open or refresh at the same time.

What usually causes delays

• Design changes after approval has been requested.

• Waiting for the landlord or managing agent to sign consent forms.

• No power point near the sign, discovered on installation day.

• Logo files supplied as low-resolution images instead of vector artwork.

• Mall installation windows limited to night hours or specific days.

• Heavy rain on the day of an outdoor installation.

How to keep your sign on schedule

1. Book the site survey as soon as your lease is signed.

2. Ask your landlord for its signage guidelines on day one.

3. Send vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) with brand colours.

4. Approve the design once, then avoid changes.

5. Confirm the power point position with your electrician early.

6. Agree the installation slot with building management in advance.

If you are opening a new outlet, our pre-launch signage checklist puts these steps against your opening date.

What can run in parallel, and what must wait

Can happen at the same time	Must wait for the step before
Design work and gathering the landlord's requirements	BCA application waits for the owner's or landlord's consent
Printing menus, decals and roll-ups while approvals run	Fabrication of the main sign waits for approved drawings
Arranging the power point with your contractor	Installation waits for fabrication and any lift booking
Photographing the facade for your Google Business Profile once the sign is up	License number display waits for the license

The quickest projects are the ones where the brief, logo files and site photos arrive on day one and drawings are approved without several rounds of changes.

Fast-track options when the date is tight

• Open with interim signage: window vinyl or an indoor printed panel can carry the name while the main sign is made. Outdoor banners may need their own approval.

• Choose standard materials and finishes that are in stock rather than special colours or PVD finishes.

• Approve proofs quickly and in one round, with all decision-makers involved.

• Book the installation slot early, especially in malls with night-only work.

• Use the 5 m² exemption where it applies, which replaces the license with a declaration, though it is still submitted to BCA.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a signboard made in one week?

Printed signs and simple panels, often yes. A fabricated outdoor sign in one week is unlikely, because landlord and license approvals usually take longer than that.

Can I put up a temporary sign while waiting for the permanent one?

Often yes, using a banner or printed panel, but outdoor temporary signs may still need approval. Check with your landlord and see our guide to banners and temporary signs.

Does fabrication start before the license is approved?

It should not, unless you accept the risk of changes. The safest order is landlord approval, license, then fabrication.

How long does installation take?

Most shopfront signs are installed in a day, including electrical connection and testing. Large or high-level signs may need more time and access equipment.

How long does BCA take to approve a signboard license?

BCA typically processes an application in about 7 working days, plus about two weeks if URA needs to evaluate it. Collecting consents beforehand often takes longer than BCA's review.

Can I open with a temporary sign?

Often. Window graphics or an indoor printed panel can carry your name while the main sign is made. Outdoor banners may need approval, so check before putting one up.

Sources

• BCA: Documents required for application

• BCA: Supporting information on new and existing licenses

Working to an opening date? WhatsApp Advert & Signs at +65 9862 5243 with the date and your site photos, or book a site survey.