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With effect from 15 Sep 2025, Private Investigation's licences will be valid for 3 years, and will cost $812.

Please note that there will be legislative changes to the Private Security Industry (Regulated Agencies, Private Investigators and Security Officers) Regulations 2009 with effect from 15 Sep 2025.

Beside the new licence tenure of 3 years at a fee of $812, other changes include the change in reporting requirements with respect to changes of business names and officers, i.e. directors and partners, of private investigation agencies.  For change of directors/partners and change of business name, licensees should update ACRA directly within 14 days of the change, and there is no longer a requirement to inform PRD if this had already been done. 

Alternatively, you may refer to the amended legislation which is available online.

New

Your company may submit an application for Private Investigation Agency Licence via GoBusiness.

Renewal

A Notice of Renewal of the Private Investigation Agency licence will be sent to you two months before the expiry of the existing licence. Please submit your application at least one month before your licence expires to minimise the likelihood of your licence expiring before it is renewed.

The Renewal Notice will provide detailed information on the requirements to submit a renewal application.

The Renewal Notice will provide detailed information on the requirements to submit a renewal application.

Cancellation of Licence

You are permitted to cancel your existing Private Investigation Agency's licence any time before its expiration.

Please be informed that there will be no refund upon cancelling the existing Private Investigation Agency's licence.

Withdrawal

You can withdraw your application for a Private Investigation Agency's Licence any time before the licence is approved.

If licence has been approved and issued, you will have to submit a request to cancel the licence.

To be eligible for a Private Investigation Agency’s licence, the business entity must meet the following criteria:

1. Be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA);

2. Have a paid-up capital of $50,000;

3. Have at least two directors/partners;

4. All directors/partners must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents of Singapore; and

5. All the directors/partners must fulfil the following:

a) Be fit and proper persons¹;

b) Possess a valid Private Investigator’s licence;

c) Unless exempted by the Licensing Officer, be certified competent in the WSQ module of "Perform Investigation Activities in Compliance with Legal Requirements (PI)”;

d) Possess a minimum of three years' experience in investigation-related work (for non-law enforcement officers) or a minimum of two years' experience in investigation work (for ex-law enforcement officers); and

e) Possess a minimum of 2 years' experience in a management position e.g. holding a supervisory post.

¹Section 21(8) of the Private Security Industry Act states that a person or an officer of a business entity is not a fit and proper person if he:

(a) associates with a criminal in a way that indicates involvement in an unlawful activity;
(b) involves in dealings in which the person
(i) shown dishonesty or lack of integrity; or
(ii) used harassing tactics;
(c) suffered or suffers from a mental disorder; or
(d) is an undischarged bankrupt or has entered into a composition with his debtors.

Updated as of 9 March 2020

Licensing Conditions

You may refer to the Licensing Conditions for Private Investigator Agency

You will be directed to GoBusiness webpage, which will require you to log in using your CorpPass.

If you require assistance or guidance on the GoBusiness portal, please contact their helpdesk at +65 6336 3373 or email AskGoBiz@crimsonlogic.com.sg

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