All open-concept massage establishment operators in S'pore to require license from Dec. 1, 2026

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced new changes to the regulatory regime for massage establishments (ME) on Nov. 5, 2026.

Under the new regime, operators of open-concept MEs (OMEs) will no longer be exempted from licensing.

In a Facebook post on Nov. 5, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat shared that the Housing & Development Board (HDB) has taken action on 26 cases involving vice activities across both sold and rental shops since January 2026.

This includes working with shop owners to evict errant operators and terminating the tenancy of a rental shop.

He added that the ministry will continue to work closely with SPF to "weed out such undesirable activities from our neighbourhoods".

Changes to Massage Establishments Act

In a press release, SPF said the changes will take effect from Dec. 1, 2026.

Those who wish to operate an OME must apply for a licence and undergo a fit and proper assessment before a licence may be granted, SPF said.

The applicant must also submit the relevant land planning approval from the HDB or the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for the premises to be used as an OME.

There will be a one-year grace period for existing OME operators, between Dec. 1, 2026 and Nov. 30, 2027, to transition into the new regime.

Existing OME operators may continue to operate during this grace period but must obtain a Category 3 ME licence and the requisite employee approvals by Nov. 30, 2027, or cease operations, SPF said.

Those who obtain the licence before June 1, 2027, will receive a 50 per cent licence fee concession.

In addition, all OME operators must comply with the OME requirements.

These include the following:

• Customers and members of the public must have an unobstructed view of massage services being provided at all times from both inside and outside of the premises.
• The premises must not contain rooms, partitions, cubicles, curtains or other features that would allow massage services to be provided in private.