INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)Required to operate

Newspaper Permit

The Newspaper Permit is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for any entity intending to publish a newspaper in Singapore. The permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, with processing typically completed in 15 working days.

Validity
The Permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue
Processing time
15 working days
Issuing authority
INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)

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Who needs the Newspaper Permit

This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:

What's involved in getting the Newspaper Permit

The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.

What this licence allows the business to do

The Newspaper Permit enables a business to publish a newspaper in Singapore, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards set by the authorities.

What must be in place before the licence can be granted

Before the Newspaper Permit can be issued, several prerequisites must be met. These include having an Electronic Banker's Guarantee and Special Conditions in place, obtaining a Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) Permit, and securing a Letter of Authorisation if the application is filed by an authorized third party. Additionally, a complete set of mock-ups or sample copies of the proposed newspaper must be prepared, along with two copies of the three most recent issues of the newspaper. A latest copy of the business profile from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is also required.

How the agency reviews and decides

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reviews the application to ensure all documentation is complete and meets the necessary standards. This includes assessing the mock-ups of the proposed newspaper and verifying the legitimacy of the business profile and other supporting documents.

Common reasons applications stall

Applications for the Newspaper Permit can face delays for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing copies of recent newspaper issues or failure to provide the required permits and guarantees. Additionally, discrepancies in the application details or failure to meet the specific conditions set by the IMDA can also lead to application stalls.

Required documents and prerequisites

Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:

  • Electronic Banker's Guarantee and Special Conditions
  • Electronic Banker's Guarantee and Special Conditions
  • Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) Permit
  • Kementerian Dalam Negeri (“KDN”) Permit
  • Letter of Authorisation
  • Letter of Authorisation (for application filed by an authorised third party who is an individual and is using a Singpass login.)
  • Mock-up or sample copy of the proposed newspaper
  • Complete set of mock-up or sample copy of the proposed newspaper
  • Permit Agent Form for Malaysian newspapers
  • Permit Agent Form for Malaysian newspapers
  • Scanned copy of passport and immigration pass
  • Scanned copy of passport and immigration pass (front and back) showing foreign identification number (“FIN”), if the applicant and chief editor is a foreigner employed/ residing in Singapore.
  • Two copies each of the three recent issues of your newspaper
  • Two copies each of the three recent issues of your newspaper.
  • Latest copy of the business profile from ACRA
  • Latest copy of the business profile from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”)

Newspaper Permit FAQ

Do I need this licence to start operating?

Yes, the Newspaper Permit is essential for any entity wishing to publish a newspaper in Singapore. Without this permit, operating a newspaper would be considered illegal.

What can my business do once licensed?

Once the Newspaper Permit is granted, your business can legally publish and distribute a newspaper in Singapore, adhering to the guidelines and regulations set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

What happens if I operate without it?

Operating a newspaper without the Newspaper Permit can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and potential closure of the publication. It is crucial to obtain the necessary permits to avoid such risks.

What's the most common reason applications get rejected?

The most common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, such as missing required permits or mock-ups of the newspaper, and discrepancies in the business profile or application details.

Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?

Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Newspaper Permit, provided it meets all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

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