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Setting up a new dormitory

Pre-licensing approval processes

if you are intending to set up a new migrant worker dormitory in Singapore, you will need to apply to the relevant agencies such as JTC, SCDF, NEA, PUB, LTA, and URA for land use and building approvals before constructing or retrofitting the dormitory. The process and approvals required differ based on the different dormitory types.

You may refer to the GoBusiness e-Adviser to access detailed information about each stage of the dormitory setup process, from initial planning, landowner, and technical agencies' consents requirement to final operational compliance.

For further enquires on the GoBusiness e-Adviser, you may refer to the FAQs.

Specific requirements for dormitory types

Factory-Converted Dormitories (FCDs)Show

Select the type of FCD application that best suits your application

If you intend to submit a new FCD application from 1 April 2023, you must:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to the relevant technical agencies to seek their clearances:
  2. Obtain a valid WP (temporary) from URA to house the employees in the industrial premises
  3. If your FCD's occupancy load (OL) is 6 or below, please submit URA's WP (Temporary) and Final Clearence (FC) application to us via mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.

If your FCD's OL is 7 and above, you are required to apply for a FEDA licence via GoBusiness Licensing, and submit the URA's WP (Temporary) to support the application. A dormitory licence will be issued to you. Please refer to the segment on "Apply for a FEDA licence" for more information.

Documents to be submitted to MOM

New FCD Application
Increase Occupancy Load / Gross Floor Area

You should:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the FCD, and put measures in place to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are an existing FCD operator and your URA Written Permission is due for renewal on/after 1 April 2023, you must:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to submit the plans to the relevant technical agencies (NEA, SCDF, LTA, PUB, JTC) to seek clearance.
  2. Obtain a renewal of valid WP (Temporary) from URA.
  3. If your FCD's occupancy load (OL) is 6 or below, please submit URA's WP (Temporary) and renewal application to us via mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.

If your FCD's OL is 7 and above, you are required to apply for a FEDA licence via GoBusiness Licensing 3 months before the expiry of your provisional licence (PL) and submit URA's WP (Temporary) to support the application. A dormitory licence will be issued to you.

Documents to be submitted to MOM

Applicable to FCD renewal application

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the FCD operator.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are operating an FCD that houses foreign employees employed by different employers, and they don't work at the same work location, applications to increase the maximum number of residents will not be approved.

Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQ): Standalone Temporary QuartersShow

Select the type of CTQ application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) before applying for FEDA Licence for new CTQs housing more than 6 workers.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents and apply for a FEDA licence. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain both MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and to obtain MOM's FC letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB'S approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents to confirm the permissible occupancy load. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be always available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService. 
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ, and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are intending to extend your CTQ after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a letter from your developer
    • Indicate the reason for extension.
    • Indicate a new end date in the format of DD MMM YYYY.
  2. Fill up a new on-site workers' quarters declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact.
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

You may be required to apply for a FEDA licence if you are submitting an extension request beyond 31 March 2025. Please refer to the earlier segment on the necessary steps that you need to adhere to.

Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQ): Quarters in Uncompleted Permanent BuildingShow

What are quarters in uncompleted permanent building They are parts of buildings still under construction that are used for employees' quarters.
Allowed to house Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project.
Maximum permissible occupancy

Non-private residential premises (PRP) projects are not subjected to housing occupancy limits.

PRP projects are allowed up to 6 persons in each residential unit under construction.

Temporary Occupation Licence quarters (TOLQ)Show

Select the type of TOLQ application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) before applying for FEDA Licence for new TOLQs housing more than 6 workers.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. TC, SLA).
  2. For Industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for TOLQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the TOLQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the TOLQ.
  4. Submit MOM's documents and apply for a FEDA licence. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.

If you're operating permanent buildings as quarters on TOLQ

You must:

  • Complete the steps above.
  • To engage Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to SCDF to get approval for the fire safety works to be carried out. The quarter shall obtain Temporary Fire Permit/Fire Safety Certificate before it can be occupied.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for TOL quarters.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the TOLQ is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain both MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. TC, SLA).
  2. For Industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for TOLQ, endorsed by the QP shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the TOLQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the TOLQ.
  4. Submit MOM's documents to confirm the permissible occupancy load. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.

If you are operating permanent buildings as quarters on TOLQ

You must:

  • Complete the steps above.
  • To engage Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to SCDF to get approval for the fire safety works to be carried out. The quarter shall obtain Temporary Fire Permit/Fire Safety Certificate before it can be occupied
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for TOL quarters.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the TOLQ is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are intending to extend your TOLQ after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a letter from your developer
    • Indicate the reason for extension.
    • Indicate a new end date in the format of DD MMM YYYY.
  2. Fill up a new on-site workers' quarters declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

You may be required to apply for a FEDA licence if you are submitting an extension request beyond 31 March 2025. Please refer to the earlier segment on the necessary steps that you need to adhere to.

Workers' Quarters at Farms (WQFs)Show

Select the type of WQF application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain a FEDA licence for new WQFs housing more than 6 workers.

Non-food farms or plant nurseries under NParks
  1. Obtain NParks' lease or tenancy agreement.

    You may write to NParks CUGE Industry Development Branch for lease or tenancy, or tender-related queries.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach NParks' lease or tenancy agreement, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
Coastal fish culture farms under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence. Please refer to the SFA website for more information.
  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
Food farms (land) under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's food farm licence. Please refer to the SFA website for more information.

    Refer to starting a farm: an industry guide.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SFA's food farm licence, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
All other farms
  1. Obtain a copy of SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease. Please refer to the SLA website for more information.

    Refer to SLA's website or write to SLA's Commercial Leasing Department (Attention: Mr Tan Kai Heng) for tenancy-related queries. SLA's Land Sale and Transfer Division (Attention: Mr Teo Eng Joo) to purchase a copy of the state lease.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the WQF is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

Non-food farms or plant nurseries under NParks
  1. Obtain NParks' lease or tenancy agreement.

    You may write to NParks CUGE Industry Development Branch for lease or tenancy, or tender-related queries.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach NParks' lease or tenancy agreement and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
Coastal fish culture farms under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence. Please refer to the SFA website for more information.
  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
Food farms (land) under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's food farm licence. Please refer to the SFA website for more information.

    Refer to starting a farm: an industry guide.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SFA's food farm licence and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
All other farms
  1. Obtain a copy of SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease. Please refer to the SLA website for more information.

    Refer to SLA's rental of state land and property, or write to SLA's Commercial Leasing Department (Attention: Mr Tan Kai Heng) for tenancy-related queries. SLA's Land Sale and Transfer Division (Attention: Mr Teo Eng Joo) to purchase a copy of the state lease.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease and main site plan to MOM for assessment.

If you are intending to extend your WQF after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a new tenancy agreement or licence from your governing agency.
  2. Fill up a new WQF declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

More on Requirements for dormitory operators