Singapore, a place with limited space and a large population, places great importance on the management of the construction industry. This is not only because it concerns the safety of lives and property but also because it involves significant funds and manpower.
Today, let's explore the construction industry in Singapore and provide a detailed introduction on how to apply for a building licence in Singapore!
I Overview of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore was established on April 1, 1999, by merging the former Building Control Division and the Construction Industry Development Board. As a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development, BCA is responsible for promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the construction industry in Singapore.
With the passage of the Building Control (Amendment) Bill in September 2007, BCA introduced a licensing system for builders engaged in construction work and professional work with safety implications. This reform aimed to enhance the safety and professionalism of construction projects by establishing stricter licensing standards for builders. The licensing system officially came into effect on December 16, 2008, and is detailed in Part VA "Licensing of Builders" of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2007 and the Building Control (Licensing of Builders) Regulations 2008.
This means that all builders engaged in the construction industry in Singapore, including those working in specific fields that significantly impact public safety (whether public or private projects), must apply for and obtain the appropriate licence from BCA. To facilitate access to relevant information for industry professionals and the public, BCA provides extensive online resources on its official website (https://www1.bca.gov.sg/), including policies, regulations, and guidelines.
II Comprehensive Guide to Construction Licences
i Types of Licences
Singapore's construction licences are divided into two main categories: General Builder's Licence and Specialist Builder's Licence. The General Builder's Licence is further divided based on project value into two types:
1 Projects with a total value of less than SGD 6 million
2 Projects with any total value
Specialist Builder's Licences are categorized into six types:
1 Piling Works
2 Ground Support and Stabilization Works
3 Site Investigation Work
4 Structural Steelwork
5 Pre-cast Concrete Work
6 Site-cast Post-tensioning Work
ii Application Requirements
a) Designate an Approved Person (AP)
The AP will be responsible for directing and managing the business operations of the builder.The AP must be:
-The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship
-A partner of a partnership
-A director, board member, or employee of the company with similar duties and responsibilities
The AP must also have appropriate qualifications and experience.
b) Designate a Technical Controller (TC)
The TC will oversee the execution and performance of any building works undertaken by the builder.For specialist builders, the designated TC must hold a degree in civil or structural engineering from a recognized institution and have the appropriate qualifications and experience.
Resident engineers must meet the qualifications acceptable to BCA.
c) Meet the Minimum Paid-up Capital Requirement (for companies only)
- Class 1 General Builder: At least SGD 300,000- Class 2 General Builder or Specialist Builder: At least SGD 25,000
d) Pay the Licence Fee
- Class 1 General Builder: SGD 1,800- Class 2 General Builder: SGD 1,200
- Specialist Builder: SGD 1,500
iii Application Procedure
1 All applications must be submitted online through the official website (https://www.bca.gov.sg/eBACS/). Ensure the completeness of the submission.
2 The processing will only begin once the submitted content is verified to be correct. If the electronic application is incomplete, not submitted according to regulations, or missing the relevant fees, BCA may reject the application. In specific cases, the officer may request additional documents and information.
iv Application Fees
As per the 2008 Building Control (Licensing of Builders) Regulations, payment methods include online credit card (MasterCard/Visa) payment or internet banking. Application fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Note that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not applicable to application fees.
v Processing Time
Under normal circumstances, if the submitted electronic application is complete with supporting documents, the processing time for each application is approximately 2 weeks. BCA will notify each applicant of the application results via email. Ensure the email address provided is correct.
vi Application Results
Applicants can check their application results at www.bca.gov.sg > Building Control and Management > eDirectory.
vii Copy of the Certificate
Applicants can opt to purchase a copy of the licence certificate online, with payment made via credit card (MasterCard/Visa) or internet banking.
Website: https://www.bca.gov.sg/eBACS/.
viii In-person Attendance
Applicants must personally visit the Building Control Commissioner and provide additional details, information, and documents as required in writing by the Commissioner.
If the applicant fails to provide the required clarification without a reasonable excuse, the Commissioner may reject the application.
ix Information Updates
Licensed builders must notify the Commissioner in writing of the following matters:
1 The designated Approved Person ceasing to direct and manage the builder's business within 28 days of ceasing to perform such duties.2 The designated Technical Controller ceasing to supervise and execute the building works undertaken by the builder within 28 days of ceasing to perform such duties.
3 Changes in management status, address (mailing and email), or other relevant details. Ensure the email address provided is correct, as all announcements and notifications will be sent via email only.
4 If the designated Approved Person and Technical Controller are foreign nationals, the expiry date of their employment pass.
x Validity
Each licence, if granted, will have a specified period of validity, not exceeding 3 years. Licence renewal applications must be submitted online to the Commissioner at least one month before the licence expiry date, along with the appropriate renewal fee.
If the renewal application is submitted less than one month before the licence expiry date, the renewal fee plus the late application fee specified in the initial schedule for each licence will apply.
The period for which the licence can be renewed will be determined by the Commissioner upon receiving the renewal application. If the renewal application is submitted 14 days or less before the licence expiry date, the Commissioner may refuse to renew the licence.
III The Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL)
In addition to the BCA, the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) also provides licence application services.
SCAL is a non-profit organization established in 1937, consisting of over 3,000 construction and related enterprises in Singapore. The SCAL website is https://www.scal.com.sg/.
i Types of Applications
Applicants can apply for SCAL Membership on the official website:
https://www.scal.com.sg/membership/oatis-membership
The application for SCAL Membership is divided into two types: Individual Membership and Organizational/Associate/Trade (OAT) Membership.
1 Ordinary Member: Business entities, partnerships, or sole proprietorships registered in Singapore (not foreign-registered company branches) actively engaged in the construction and engineering industry as main contractors or principal contractors, meeting statutory requirements or holding a licensed contractor status.
2 Associate Member: Business entities, partnerships, or sole proprietorships involved in subcontracting within the construction and engineering industry, including foreign-owned or foreign-managed entities, partnerships, or sole proprietorships.
3 Trade Member: Business entities, partnerships, sole proprietorships, suppliers, and product subcontractors engaged in the construction and engineering industry or other related entities.
ii Individual Membership Application
a) Conditions for Individual Membership Applicants:
1 Must be a graduate from an institution of higher education in the field of construction and engineering.2 Must have experience in the construction and engineering industry.
b) Individual Membership applicants must submit:
1 A frontal photograph/passport photo.2 Certificates of construction-related education.
When submitting materials for individual membership application, a one-time fee of SGD 21.80 is required, regardless of the application outcome. The application fee is non-refundable.
Once SCAL approves the application, the applicant must immediately pay a membership fee of SGD 141.70 to complete the application process.
iii Organizational Membership Application
Organizational Membership applicants must submit:
1 Latest ACRA profile (printed within the last three months)
2 Project track records
When submitting materials for organizational membership application, a one-time fee of SGD 272.50 is required, regardless of the application outcome. The application fee is non-refundable.
Once SCAL approves the application, the applicant must immediately pay a membership fee of SGD 1,090 to complete the application process.
In summary, for licensed builders, it is crucial to keep personal and business information updated, closely monitor the validity of licences, and ensure timely renewal.
Additionally, it is essential to pay close attention to the deadlines for submitting various applications and notifications to avoid incurring extra fees or other inconveniences. Planning ahead and adhering to regulations, while keeping contact information updated, will ensure that all important notices and updates are received, maintaining business continuity and compliance.
