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Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Massage Business in Singapore

Some people find the best way to relieve stress is by getting an exquisite massage, with quiet and calm surroundings paired with soothing music playing in the background. The smell of bath salts and perfume scented candles – it’s safe to say that getting a massage is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for everyone. There are various types of massages out there and they each can achieve different results. The market is huge, from aromatherapy massage, deep tissue, hot stone, acupuncture, acupressure, and sports massage, making starting a massage business a great idea.

Massage businesses in Singapore have always been profitable. With a thriving economy, the massage industry has become a significant part of Singapore’s health and wellness sector. The exigency for workers of all trades in Singapore has increased over the years, including the massage therapy business. With most modern citizens living sedentary lifestyles, the urgent matter of well being and releasing pent up stress is very much needed.

Undergoing stress or lack of exercise can result in bad posture, which would eventually give you back problems. According to studies, around 37% of Singaporeans live a below active lifestyle, which means that they spend eight hours sitting on average. With these numbers, it is safe to assume that people will experience a back or muscle problem and require a massage. Therefore, starting a massage business in Singapore is actually a great venture, and a lucrative one, at that too.

Singapore has excellent tax rates and incentives. Furthermore, it is one of the easiest places to start and run a business. Keep reading below to take advantage of this unique situation and find out about starting your massage business in Singapore! Also, check out our guide to company registration in Singapore for more information.

 

What is a Massage Business in Singapore?

A massage business offers massage services. A massage is essentially the physical manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Usually, it consists primarily of hands-on technique by either applying pressure, holding or moving muscles and possibly limbs. Some of the many benefits of going through massage therapy are:

Reduces Muscle Tension and Stiffness

With more citizens working in offices and living in a fast-paced city like Singapore, the current lifestyle can be somewhat unhealthy. Getting massages every now and then can be a great change to that routine.

Relieves Muscle Spasms

Getting a massage can decrease the occurrence of muscle spasms and make it recover better. Having a massage is very effective as it relieves tight muscles and increases blood circulation to the injured area.

Increases Ease and Flexibility of Movement.

A massage will sometimes consist of physical manipulation of muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. By regularly having a massage, you can increase your flexibility and range of motion.

Reduces Anxiety, Emotional or Physical Stress.

A massage can make the body and mind unwind, which can help someone let go of anxious and fearful thoughts. Alleviating stress is one of the main reasons people would get a massage service once their bodies need a recharge.

Reduces Pain and Swelling Caused by Injuries

People who have previously been injured might not be as agile or quick as they once were. Based on the severity of the injury, the recovery time will differ too. With this in mind, massage therapy is an excellent way for everyone to prevent injuries or make themselves feel rejuvenated. A sports massage is one way of reducing swelling.

As Singapore is one of the leading economically advanced countries in South East Asia, opportunities for businesses are ripe. But just because there are already plenty of massage businesses around, it does not mean that it’s too late for you to start. You can reach out to your local corporate service provider to get help with the registration process.

 

The Registration Process for Starting a Massage Business

First things first, you must register your massage business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA). Once you have done that, you will need to apply for the Massage Establishment License with Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD). In regards to starting a massage business in Singapore, you will need to prepare some documents;

• The No Objection Letter from the management of the building or possibly the landlord if the premise is leased out.
• A planning permit from the Urban Development Authority.
• A current and updated plan was produced from the Fire Safety and Shelter Department.
• A blueprint of the premise.
• If the premise is rented, you will need to issue a copy of the tenancy agreements. You will need to prepare at least two years worth of tenancy agreement.

Other documents that you will need to come up with are;

• Provide a complete list of the details of your employee.
• Comprehensive information about the amount of money that has been used to fund the massage business.
• Photos of your employees in full uniform.

 

License and Permits You Will Be Needing

In order to start your very own massage business, you will need to get a lot of permits and licences. Due to the company’s nature, it is sometimes associated with illegal sexual activities. Therefore, there would be suspicions should you not acquire the required licenses. The licences would allow you to work on your business without worrying about getting spot-checked by authorities. Apart from that, it also protects you and your staff from getting any inappropriate requests.

The first license that you will need is the Massage Establishment License (ME), which has two categories. The licenses depend on the location of the establishment and the service you wish your massage business to undertake.

Category 1 License

This license will permit you to work in neighbourhoods and commercial centres. You can hire and employ foreign workers, but you need to meet specific requirements. You will also need to get Accreditation by and Letter of Acceptance from CaseTrust.

Category 2 License

Having this license will need you to locate your massage business somewhere that is not in residential areas. Aside from that, you can only employ local Singaporeans and Malaysians with valid passports to be a masseuse. Another requirement for this license is that the minimum floor area for the establishment must not be smaller than 100 square meters.

In regards to hiring employees, you need to comply with specific requirements. Your employees must be at least twenty-one years of age and be fit people capable of holding the license. Apart from that, they should not have any previous criminal records as well. If your worker happens to be a foreigner, they need to possess the right documents and a working pass. Learn more about company incorporation services in Singapore.

Massage businesses in Singapore must reach a certain level of standards. Thus, your employees must have at least one of these certificates:

• CIDESCO Beauty Certification
• CIBTAC Beauty Therapy Service Certification
• CIBTAC Spa Therapy Certification
• ITEC Beauty Specialist Certification
• ITC Holistic Massage Certification

Business Conditions

When it comes to the business side of things, operating a massage place requires you to adhere to several conditions. They are as follows:

• At least 80% of your employees have acquired the required certification issued by the PLRD throughout the license.
• The remaining 20% must require the license within six months from the first registration date.
• All employees must be wearing proper working attire while they are on duty.
• Rooms are numbered and not locked.
• All doors have a ‘No Entry’ sign at the front of the entrance.
• There are no indecent advertisements, and all the lighting must be bright enough for supervisors so they can monitor the masseuse to perform the massage.
• Massage rooms must be free of long-standing objects or non-removable objects that may hinder the full view of the room.
• The licensee must remind the employees daily that there is no sort of sexual service done in the establishment.

As a business owner, you will have to follow many more formalities, such as paperwork and compliance with etiquette guidelines. One wrong move, and you could lose the business that you have worked hard for. Therefore, as an entrepreneur, it would be wise for you to surround yourself with local experts to lend you a helping hand. That’s where we come in.

 

How We Can Help You

Given that starting a massage business requires a lot of preparation and documents, you can consider referring to the experts to handle it instead. We are 3E Accounting, a globally renowned corporate service provider. Our team can swiftly assist you on various matters pertaining to business so that you will not have to worry and can entirely focus on your business! With our strong track record of excellence, 3E Accounting has seen and solved the most complex business problem. We pride ourselves on providing only the best service for our clients and ensuring their satisfaction. For more information on starting a massage business in Singapore, do contact us today!