Private investigator licensing in Singapore

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Singapore. Singapore requires both individual private investigator licences and private investigation agency licences, issued by the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department under the Private Security Industry Act 2007. Individuals must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents and fit and proper persons, and new applicants normally need the WSQ module 'Perform Investigation Activities in Compliance with Legal Requirements' unless exempted. Agencies need S$50,000 paid-up capital and at least two directors or partners who each hold a PI licence, and only the agency may advertise or solicit PI work.

Singapore Police Force – Police Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD), under Private Security Industry Act 2007.

At least 1 year of relevant investigative experience (e.g. former SPF, CNB, CPIB officers) can exempt from training

Agency must be ACRA-registered with paid-up capital of S$50,000 and at least two directors or partners

Individual licence every 5 years (S$16); agency licence every 3 years (S$812)

Individual licence S$16 for 5 years; agency licence S$812 for 3 years (from 15 September 2025)

At least 4-6 weeks from receipt of a complete application

1. Complete the WSQ module 'Perform Investigation Activities in Compliance with Legal Requirements (PI)', or apply for exemption based on investigative experience 2. Sign in to GoBusiness Licensing with Singpass and complete the private investigator licence application 3. Upload supporting documents (WSQ certificate; passport for permanent residents) and pay the S$16 fee 4. Receive the outcome by post or in GoBusiness 5. To run an agency, apply separately via GoBusiness with CorpPass, showing S$50,000 paid-up capital, two licensed directors or partners, 3 years' investigation and 2 years' management experience

Singapore is a one-party consent country: you can generally record a conversation you are part of without telling the others.