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Various types of housing and their specific requirements

There are various types of housing that your foreign employees can live in, each with its own set of requirements. Employers must carry out due diligence to ensure these requirements are met. Employers who fail to do so may be prosecuted, and disallowed to hire foreign employees.

Announcement of New Dormitory Standards

The new dormitory standards aim to strengthen resilience against future pandemics and improve living conditions of migrant workers.

  • It applies to all new dormitories, including:
  • Purpose-Built Dormitories (PBDs)
  • Factory-Converted Dormitories (FCDs)
  • Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQs)
  • Temporary Occupation Licence Quarters (TOLQs)

Which dormitories must comply with the new dormitory standards?

For The dormitory
Existing or upcoming dormitories approved before 18 September 2021
  • Can continue to operate based on past approved standards until further plans are announced by MOM.
  • We are also working with various stakeholders to review the improvements that are feasible within current built infrastructure constraints.
  • To convert to the new dormitory standards, you can apply to relevant agencies to seek approval. Dormitories must meet all requirements under the new dormitory standards to be granted approval for the conversion.
New dormitories that have applied to relevant agencies for approval on or after 18 Sep 2021 Must comply with the new dormitory standards.

Purpose-Built Dormitories (PBDs)Show

What are PBDs

PBDs are specially designed and built with features to meet the needs of foreign employees:

  • Amenities, e.g. minimarts, dedicated cooking areas, etc.
  • Services, e.g. laundry, remittance, etc.
  • Recreational facilities, e.g. gym, outdoor games courts, etc.
Allowed to house All foreign employees.

See list of foreign worker purpose-built dormitories.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the dormitory operator.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with the housing to the dormitory operator, and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

Factory-Converted Dormitories (FCDs)Show

What are FCDs Industrial or warehouse developments which have been partially converted to dormitories.
Types of FCDs allowed
  • Ancillary FCDs: Houses workers employed by the owner or lessee of the factory or sub-contractors’ workers (whether workers are working on site at the factory or off-site) or workers who work on site at the factory.
  • Single employer-operated secondary FCDs (i.e. new secondary FCDs set up on 22 Jun 2020 or later): Houses employer’s own workers or sub-contractors’ workers (whether workers are working on site at the factory or off-site). The employer should not be the owner or lessee of the factory.
Maximum permissible occupancy

300

Appeals for higher permissible occupancy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To appeal, provide these information:

  • Need for higher permissible occupancy.
  • Alternative housing types have been considered.
  • Mitigating measures that will be implemented to ensure workers’ security and provision of adequate on-site amenities.

FCDs already in operation before 22 June 2020 can retain your existing occupancy load (including those exceeding 300 workers) until further notice. Such secondary FCDs can also continue to house workers from more than 1 employer until further notice.

What you need to do

Prior to submitting an application to MOM, you must:

  1. Ensure that the FCD in accordance with URA’s circular on revised guidelines for temporary workers’ dormitories
  2. Obtain the Health & Safety buffer clearance from SCDF

Once you have obtained clearances from URA and SCDF, you may proceed with the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to SCDF to get approval for on the proposed change of use and the fire safety works to be carried out. The FCD shall obtain Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate before it can be occupied. The plans must be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Obtain clearances from the following agencies:
    • NEA to ensure that adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
    • MOM to ensure that the FCD has basic facilities for the employees. Complete the FCD declaration form and submit it to MOM for assessment.
    • PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system.
    • LTA to ensure smooth traffic conditions in the vicinity. The QP should submit plans and obtain clearance via CORENET from LTA.
  3. Obtain a valid Temporary Written Permission from URA to house the employees in the industrial premises.
  4. Submit the Written Permission to MOM to confirm the permissible occupancy load and expiry date of the FCD. This step is needed in order that you can start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP Online

You should also:

  • 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’re housing your foreign employees but not operating the FCD

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’re 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

What are Standalone Temporary Quarters Any structure used for housing employees within a construction site that will eventually be demolished or removed.
Allowed to house Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project
Maximum permissible occupancy

300

Appeals for higher permissible occupancy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To appeal, provide these information:

  • Need for higher permissible occupancy.
  • Alternative housing types have been considered.
  • Mitigating measures that will be implemented to ensure workers’ security and provision of adequate on-site amenities.

CTQs already in operation before 22 June 2020 can retain your existing occupancy load (including those exceeding 300 workers) until further notice.

What you need to do

You must obtain both MOM’s In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letters.

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 their approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit all the agencies’ approvals to MOM to confirm the permissible occupancy load. This step is needed in order that you can start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP Online.

Any expansions, annexes or re-build of workers' quarters must meet the new dormitory specification requirements, as stipulated on 18 September 2021.

MOM’s forms
Other agencies’ forms
(samples only)

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’re a sub-contractor housing foreign employees in a CTQ

We highly recommend you to:

  • Check on the living conditions, and approvals of the CTQ before signing a written tenancy agreement with the main contractor.
  • Inform your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator, and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

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

300

Up to 6 persons in residential units under construction.

Appeals for higher permissible occupancy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To appeal, provide these information:

  • Need for higher permissible occupancy.
  • Alternative housing types have been considered.
  • Mitigating measures that will be implemented to ensure workers’ security and provision of adequate on-site amenities.

CTQs already in operation before 22 June 2020 can retain your existing occupancy load (including those exceeding 300 workers) until further notice.

What you need to do

You must obtain both MOM’s In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letters.

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 their approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit all the agencies’ approvals to MOM to confirm the permissible occupancy load. This step is needed in order that you can start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP Online.

Any expansions, annexes or re-build of workers' quarters must meet the new dormitory specification requirements, as stipulated on 18 September 2021.

For contractors working on renovation projects on landed private property (semi-detached/ terrace houses/ bungalows) and you intend to house your employees or your sub-contractor’s employees onsite:

You must:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from the homeowner.
    2. Local MP’s or Constituency Office’s approval is not required.
  2. Engage a QP and submit your main site plan demarcating clearly the living quarters and the worksite.
  3. Complete the declaration form for PRP undergoing A&A works and submit it to MOM for assessment.
MOM’s forms
Other agencies’ forms
(samples only)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the CTQ 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’re a sub-contractor housing foreign employees in such CTQs

We highly recommend you to:

  • Check on the living conditions and approvals of the CTQ before signing a written tenancy agreement with the main contractor.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator, and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

Temporary Occupation Licence quarters (TOLQ)Show

What are TOL quarters

TOLs are temporary occupation licences issued by a government agency (or their managing agents) owning the land. They allow employers to establish temporary quarters on a plot of land that’s typically near a construction site to support a specific project.

TOLQ can be:

  • Pre-fabricated temporary buildings
  • Refurnished buildings
Allowed to house Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project
Maximum permissible occupancy

300

Appeals for higher permissible occupancy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To appeal, provide these information:

  • Need for higher permissible occupancy.
  • Alternative housing types have been considered.
  • Mitigating measures that will be implemented to ensure workers’ security and provision of adequate on-site amenities.

TOLQs already in operation before 22 June 2020 can retain your existing occupancy load (including those exceeding 300 workers) until further notice.

What you need to do

You must obtain both MOM’s In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letters.

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 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 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 their approval for the TOLQ.
  4. Submit all the agencies’ approvals to MOM to confirm the permissible occupancy load. This step is needed in order that you can start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP Online.

Any expansions, annexes or re-build of workers' quarters must meet the new dormitory specification requirements, as stipulated on 18 September 2021.

If you’re operating permanent buildings as quarters on TOLQ

You must:

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’re a sub-contractor housing foreign employees in TOLQ

We highly recommend you to:

  • Check on the living conditions, and approvals of the TOLQ before signing a written tenancy agreement with the main contractor.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator, and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

Workers' Quarters at Farms (WQFs)Show

What are WQFs Living quarters for workers working and residing on farm premises.
Allowed to house Workers employed by the farm owner
Maximum permissible occupancy

300

Appeals for higher permissible occupancy will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To appeal, provide these information:

  • Need for higher permissible occupancy.
  • Alternative housing types have been considered.
  • Mitigating measures that will be implemented to ensure workers’ security and provision of adequate on-site amenities.

What you need to do if you are:

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.

    2. Refer to licence application for fish culture farm.

  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.

    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.

    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.

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.

HDB flatsShow

What are HDB flats Public housing flats managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), which may be rented out as a whole flat or by rooms, subject to HDB’s approval.
Allowed to house The following foreign employees are allowed to rent HDB flats:
  • Employment Pass holders
  • EntrePass holders
  • Personalised Employment Pass holders
  • S Pass holders
  • Work Permit (WP) holders who either:
    • Are Malaysians, or
    • Work in the services sector.
  • Non-Malaysian WP holders from the manufacturing sector are allowed to rent bedrooms, but not the whole flat.

The number of bedrooms that flat owners can rent out and the maximum number of tenants and occupants allowed in each flat depends on the flat type as shown below.

Whole flat

Flat type Max number of occupants
1-room or 2-room 4
3-room 6
4-room or bigger 6

Bedrooms

Flat type Max number of bedrooms
1-room or 2-room Not allowed
3-room 1
4-room or bigger 2

Note: Flats rented from HDB cannot be sublet.

For more info, refer to the HDB website.

What you need to do

Before you can register your employee’s address using OFWAS or EP Online, you must:

  • Ensure that the HDB flat owner registers your employees as tenants with HDB before they move in. Your employees can use HDB’s eService to check if the flat owner has registered them as tenants of the flat.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the flat owner.
  • If your employees rent the place themselves, encourage them to sign a written tenancy agreement with the flat owner.
  • Get a copy of the HDB rental approval letter from the flat owner.
  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the HDB flat. Use the checklist for HDB as a guide.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with the housing, and make arrangements with the flat owner to rectify them.

If video recording devices are installed in the unit, you must inform your employees of the devices and where they are placed. You should further ensure that they are not installed in areas that will compromise their privacy or modesty, such as bathrooms and sleeping areas.

Private residential premises (PRPs)Show

What are PRPs Private properties such as condominiums, landed residential properties, terrace houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows, residential units in shop houses, etc.
PRP owners don’t need to register their tenants with URA. For PRP owners who are renting out their property for the first time, they are required to login to Foreign Worker Tenant Enquiry Service (FWTES) to complete a one-time declaration process.

Allowed to house

All foreign employees.

All types of private residential property are subjected to an occupancy cap of 6 unrelated persons per property.

  • Unrelated persons refer to anyone who is not part of the same family unit.
  • Domestic helpers are considered part of the same family unit.
  • The occupancy cap also applies to tenants who sublet the property.
A family of four who stays and rent out part of the property will be subjected to the occupancy cap. They are allowed to accommodate a maximum of two additional unrelated persons on the property.

What you need

If you’re unable to update your employee’s address in OFWAS or EP Online, you must:

  1. Ask the home owner to check and remove the work pass holders who are not staying at their premises using Foreign Worker Tenant Enquiry Service (FWTES).
  2. After the home owner has removed the work pass holders, you can update your employee’s address in OFWAS or EP Online.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the PRP owner.
  • If your employees rent the place themselves, encourage them to sign a written tenancy agreement with the PRP owner.
  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the PRP, to ensure no overcrowding and that the living conditions are satisfactory. Use the checklist for PRP as a guide.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with their housing, and make arrangements with the PRP owner to rectify them.

If video recording devices are installed in the unit, you must inform your employees of the devices and where they are placed. You should further ensure that they are not installed in areas that will compromise their privacy or modesty, such as bathrooms and sleeping areas.