A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is a mandatory approval issued by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to confirm that a building’s fire protection systems are correctly installed and fully compliant.
To get it, you must first complete all required fire safety works. Then engage a Qualified Person (QP) and a registered inspector to verify that the premises comply with the Fire Code, and finally submit the FSC application to SCDF for inspection and approval.
Understanding FSC and Temporary Fire Permits (TFP)
An FSC is essential for ensuring the safety of a building’s occupants. Therefore, it must be applied for and obtained before occupying or using the premises. The certificate is issued only after all fire safety works have been certified by SCDF. Failing to comply with this requirement is an offence under the Fire Safety Act 1993, and the owner may face legal action.
In some cases, a TFP can be obtained to allow limited use of the premises before the FSC is issued. This permit is granted only when the fire safety works are mostly complete, with minor outstanding issues remaining. The duration to secure the FSC after a TFP depends on the project’s size, type, and complexity.
Pre-Requisites for FSC/TFP Application
Before applying for an FSC or a TFP, certain conditions must be fulfilled to ensure that all fire safety works comply with SCDF standards. These requirements help streamline the application process and guarantee that the building is safe for use.
- Approved Fire Safety Work Plans: All plans for the project’s fire safety works must be reviewed and approved by SCDF.
- Completion of Fire Safety Works: All fire protection systems and installations must be fully completed in accordance with SCDF requirements.
- Inspection Certificates from Registered Inspectors (RI): Depending on the project, owners must obtain inspection certificates from a RI (Architecture) and/or a RI (M&E) to certify that the works meet the Fire Code standards.
- Appointment and Relinquishment Letters for RIs: Owners must submit a formal letter of appointment when engaging RIs and, if replacing an RI, a letter of relinquishment for the outgoing RI, along with the new appointment letter.
Application Process for FSC/TFP
Once all fire safety works are completed, QP must submit the FSC/TFP application on behalf of the building owner.
- Submission through CORENET: Applications must be submitted online using the CORENET system for efficient processing.
- Required Documents: These include:
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- FSC/TFP application form
- Certification for Fire Safety Works
- RI Inspection Certificates (Forms 1 and 2) and Inspection Reports
- Letters of Appointment for Registered Inspectors
- Declaration of Regulated Fire Safety Products
- Any additional documents requested by SCDF
- Processing and Communication: SCDF processes applications through CORENET and responds within 3 working days, with all communication conducted electronically.
- Inspections: Applications may be selected for on-site inspections within 10 days. If non-compliance is identified, the QP must rectify issues and resubmit the application.
- Certificate Storage and Usage: Once issued, the FSC must be kept safely for future reference. It is also a pre-requisite before any Petroleum & Flammable Material licence in the premises.
What is a Fire Certificate (FC) in Singapore?
While the FSC is a one-time certificate issued to certify that a building is safe for occupancy following the completion of fire safety works, the FC is an annual certificate required under Section 35 of the Fire Safety Act 1993. This certificate is designed to ensure that certain buildings in Singapore maintain their fire safety systems in proper working order throughout their operational life.
Eligibility for FC
The FC is required for owners or occupiers of buildings that fall under specific criteria.
- Public buildings with an occupant load of more than 200 persons, excluding certain serviced apartments, standalone carparks, and open hawker centres or wet markets.
- Industrial buildings with an occupant load ≥1,000, floor or site area ≥5,000 m², or height >24 m.
- Foreign dormitories meeting similar load, area, or height criteria as industrial buildings.
- Hospitals of any size.
- Residential buildings over 24 m in height, equipped with automatic fire alarms, sprinklers, or wet riser systems, excluding HDB flats.
- Engineered timber buildings with automatic fire detection or suppression systems.
- Fully automated mechanized car parks meeting specific area, cubical, or height thresholds, and equipped with fire protection systems.
Application Process
Owners or occupiers must submit the FC application within 12 months of the Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) or Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP). From 1 April 2026, a new three-year FC regime will be implemented, allowing new FCs to be valid for 36 months and enabling electronic submissions via the GoBusiness Portal.
Applications include:
- Building information and FC application form
- Documentation of completed inspections of the building’s fire protection systems
- Engagement of a Professional Engineer and contractors to inspect the premises
- Submission of required fees, which vary by building type and number of storeys
Inspections and Maintenance
To maintain Fire Certificate validity, buildings must undergo annual inspections of critical fire protection systems, such as:
- Sprinkler and dry/wet riser systems
- Fire alarm and voice communication systems
- Emergency power supply and mechanical ventilation
- Atrium smoke control, lift, and Fire Command Centre operations
Site inspections are conducted in three stages: system tests during fire alarm activation, tests under secondary power supply, and checks of individual fire protection installations. Any non-compliances must be rectified before the FC is issued or renewed.
Validity, Fees, and Compliance
Knowing the validity period, fee structure, and compliance obligations linked to an FC ensures you remain fully aligned with SCDF regulatory requirements.
- Validity: Typically 12 months, changing to 36 months for FCs issued after 1 April 2026 under the revised regime.
- Fees: Non-residential buildings $33 per storey (revised to $36 from April 2026), residential $11 per storey.
- Compliance: Owners or occupiers can face prosecution if the building operates without a valid FC, or if the certificate lapses and is not renewed on time.
To help businesses navigate the Fire Certificate process smoothly, our fire and life safety consultants in Singapore provide end-to-end support from start to finish. We conduct a comprehensive on-site inspection of all critical fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, risers, hose reels, emergency power, fire doors, and ventilation systems.
After the inspection, we deliver a detailed report outlining any non-compliance issues or areas needing attention. We then provide expert rectification guidance to ensure full compliance, followed by final verification and support for SCDF submission.
Streamline Your Fire Safety Certification with Soteria
Obtaining the Fire Safety Certificate in Singapore can be a hassle, but with Soteria, the process becomes seamless.
Led by qualified professional engineers, we bring in-depth knowledge of the SCDF Fire Code and proactively identify potential issues before official inspections, ensuring that your fire safety systems meet all regulatory requirements. Our structured approach provides a clear roadmap to obtaining your Fire Certificate efficiently, minimizing delays and compliance risks.
Contact us today to get expert guidance and start your Fire Certificate application with ease.
