Foreign Worker Housing
MOM Rules · FDW · FEDA 2015 · Dormitory Types · URA/JTC/SLA Approvals · Agent Obligations
4.7aForeign Worker Categories & Housing Rules
| Worker Type | Pass Type | Housing Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) | FDW Work Permit | Must live with employer in employer's residential premises |
| Construction / Marine / Process Worker | Work Permit (lower tier) | MOM-approved accommodation (dormitory, FCD, CTQ, etc.) |
| Skilled/Semi-skilled worker | S Pass | MOM-approved accommodation or company-arranged housing |
| Expatriate professional | Employment Pass (EP) | Free to rent any residential property on open market |
| Entrepreneur / investor | EntrePass / PEP | Free to rent any residential property on open market |
4.7bForeign Domestic Workers (FDW)
FDWs (commonly known as maids or domestic helpers) are a specific category of foreign worker subject to strict MOM rules. The key rule: they must live with their employerin the employer's residential premises.
Key FDW Rules:
- → Must reside with employer (HDB flat or private residential)
- → Cannot live independently, in dormitories, or in commercial properties
- → Employer is responsible for the FDW's accommodation and welfare
- → Employer must provide adequate living space in their home
- → MOM can inspect to verify compliance
4.7cMOM-Approved Accommodation Types
| Type | Description | Governed by |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose-Built Dormitory (PBD) | Large, purpose-built facilities (≥1,000 residents). Managed by licensed operators. | FEDA 2015 + MOM |
| Factory-Converted Dormitory (FCD) | Industrial factory converted to worker accommodation. Requires URA change-of-use approval. | URA + MOM |
| Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQ) | Temporary on-site or near-site housing tied to a specific construction project. | BCA + MOM |
| Approved Private Residential (for S Pass/EP) | Open market rental of private residential property. | MOM (via work pass conditions) |
4.7dAuthorities & Agent Obligations
MOM
Primary regulator. Approves accommodation types, sets welfare standards, licenses dormitory operators.
URA
Land use planning. Grants permission for dormitory land use on residential or industrial sites.
JTC
Manages industrial land leases. May allow worker quarters subject to lease conditions and URA planning.
BCA
Building safety. Approves construction and structural standards for dormitories and CTQs.
Real Estate Agent Obligations
- → Verify that the accommodation type is appropriate for the workers' pass type
- → Confirm the property has MOM approval for housing the relevant worker category
- → Not facilitate housing of WP holders in unapproved premises (e.g., standard HDB, shophouses)
- → Advise clients on regulatory requirements before entering any agreement
4.7eWork Pass Salary Thresholds & Immigration Act
| Pass Type | Minimum Monthly Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | $5,600/month (wef 1 Jan 2025) | $6,200 for financial services sector. Rises with age — up to $10,700 (general) / $11,800 (financial) for age 45+. COMPASS points system also applies. |
| S Pass | $3,150/month (wef 1 Sep 2023) | $3,650 for financial services sector. Rises with age. |
| Work Permit (WP) | No fixed minimum | Subject to industry levy and sector rules |
Salary thresholds current as of 1 Jan 2025 (EP) / 1 Sep 2023 (S Pass). MOM may revise periodically — verify before exam.
Immigration Act s.57B — Assisting Illegal Immigrants
It is an offence under the Immigration Act to assist or harbour an illegal immigrant (including housing an undocumented worker). This is relevant for property agents and landlords.
Penalty for s.57B offence:
→ Imprisonment: 6 months to 2 years
→ Fine: up to $6,000
→ Or both imprisonment and fine
4.7f — Women's Charter (Amendment) Act & IPA Letter Procedure
Women's Charter (Amendment) Act
Targets the responsible lease of premises to prevent vice activities in residential estates.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner / Tenant Duty | Must show no knowledge that premises would be used for vice at the time of lease signing |
| Enhanced Penalties | 1st conviction: imprisonment up to 5 years (previously 3 years); fines up to $100,000 |
| CEA Obligation | Salesperson must advise client of this obligation and check that premises will not be used for vice |
IPA Letter Procedure (Jan 2025 Update)
When a foreign tenant holds only an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter (not yet an actual pass), salesperson must follow this 5-step procedure before landlord signs:
- Explain risks to landlord — IPA ≠ confirmed pass; pass may be rejected or delayed
- Check originals — inspect original IPA letter AND passport; verify they match
- Inform landlord of checks performed — document findings
- Upon pass issuance — verify actual pass with ICA (for EP/S Pass) or MOM before handing over keys
- Complete checklist with remarks on all steps taken
Section Quiz
4.7 — Foreign Worker Housing
9 questions · 90 seconds each · exam-style difficulty