🏗️ Your Essential Guide to Obtaining a Singapore Construction Services License

Your Essential Guide to Obtaining a Singapore Construction Services License | Bestar

Singapore Construction Services License Guide

Your Essential Guide to Obtaining a Singapore Construction Services License

Starting a construction company in Singapore is a promising venture, but the industry is tightly regulated to ensure public safety and quality standards. A crucial step for any firm looking to undertake building projects is securing the appropriate Construction Services License from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

This comprehensive guide breaks down the key licenses, requirements, and steps to ensure your firm is compliant and ready to take on projects in the Lion City.

1. Understanding the Core Licenses: Builder Licensing Scheme (BLS)

The primary license you'll need is the Builder's Licence under the BCA’s Builder Licensing Scheme (BLS). This is mandatory for builders carrying out works where plans require approval from the Commissioner of Building Control, particularly for projects with a high impact on public safety.

There are two main categories of Builder's Licences:

A. General Builder Licence

This licence is for firms undertaking general building works. It is split into two classes based on the contract value your company is permitted to undertake:

Licence Class	Allowable Project Value	Minimum Paid-Up Capital (Corporations)	Licence Fee (3-Year Validity)
Class 1	Projects of Any Value	Not less than S$300,000	S$1,800
Class 2	Projects of S$6 Million or Less	Not less than S$25,000	S$1,200

B. Specialist Builder Licence

This is required for companies engaging in specific, high-risk construction activities, such as:

• Piling works

• Structural steelwork

• Ground support and stabilisation works

• Pre-cast concrete work

• In-situ post-tensioning work

The minimum paid-up capital for a Specialist Builder Licence is S$25,000, with a licence fee of S$1,500 (valid for 3 years).

2. Key Personnel and Financial Requirements

To qualify for a Builder's Licence, your company must meet stringent personnel and financial criteria, ensuring competence and financial stability.

Essential Personnel Appointments

You must appoint two key roles within your company:

Role	Responsibility	Minimum Requirement (Simplified)
Approved Person (AP)	Takes charge and directs the management of the business in building works.	Must be the sole proprietor, a partner, or a director/board member, with relevant experience and qualifications.
Technical Controller (TC)	Oversees the execution and performance of building works.	For Specialist Builders, usually requires a Civil or Structural Engineering degree from a recognised institution and relevant experience.

Minimum Paid-Up Capital

This requirement, as detailed in the table above, is critical for establishing the firm's financial solvency.

• Class 1 General Builder: Minimum S$300,000

• Class 2 General Builder / Specialist Builder: Minimum S$25,000

3. The Application Process: Getting Licensed

All applications for the Builder Licensing Scheme (BLS) are submitted electronically through the BCA's eBACS portal (Electronic Builders Licensing and Contractors Registration Systems).

Steps to Follow:

1. Company Registration: Ensure your company is registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and has an appropriate Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code for construction activities.

   
   

2. Determine Your Licence Class: Assess your business's scale and scope of work (General or Specialist) to select the correct licence class (e.g., Class 1 or Class 2).

   
   

3. Appoint Key Personnel: Appoint the Approved Person (AP) and Technical Controller (TC) and verify they meet the BCA's qualification and experience standards.

   
   

4. Meet Financial Requirements: Ensure your company meets the minimum paid-up capital requirement for the chosen licence class.

   
   

5. Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare necessary documentation, which typically includes:

   
   

   • Latest ACRA business profile (not more than one month old)

   • Certificate of Incorporation

   • Personnel details (NRIC/Work Pass, education certificates)

   • Declaration forms for AP/TC appointment and experience

     
     

6. Submit via eBACS: Log in to the eBACS portal and submit your application for a new licence.

4. Other Essential Registrations and Licences

Depending on your business model, you may need additional registrations and licences:

Contractors Registration System (CRS)

While the Builder's Licence covers regulatory compliance, the Contractors Registration System (CRS) is essential if you intend to tender for public sector construction projects or hire foreign S Pass and/or Work Permit holders for construction work.

• Purpose: To pre-qualify contractors for public tenders based on workhead, financial grade, and track record.

  
  

• Workheads: Firms are registered under specific workheads (e.g., CW01 - General Building, CR - Construction Related) based on their expertise.

Professional Engineering Services Licence (PESL)

If your firm provides professional engineering services (e.g., structural design, supervision of building works), you must register with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) of Singapore.

• Key Requirement: The majority of the company's directors must be registered professional engineers with valid practising certificates.

Foreign Worker Permits (MOM)

If you plan to employ workers from outside Singapore, you must comply with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations regarding Work Permits (WP) and S Passes, including adherence to quotas and levies.

5. Summary of Key Takeaways for Success

• The BCA is your main authority: All core construction services licensing is managed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

  
  

• Choose the right class: Your financial resources and project scope dictate whether you need a Class 1 or Class 2 General Builder Licence.

  
  

• Personnel is crucial: The Approved Person (AP) and Technical Controller (TC) must be appointed and possess the requisite qualifications.

  
  

• Public projects require CRS: If you want to tender for government contracts, registration in the Contractors Registration System is mandatory.

By carefully navigating these licensing requirements, your construction firm can establish a foundation of credibility and compliance, positioning you for growth in Singapore’s robust construction sector.

Four Core Specific Registration Requirements (SRR)

The Specific Registration Requirements (SRR) for the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Contractors Registration System (CRS) are detailed criteria that firms must meet to be registered under a specific Workhead and Grade.

These requirements are structured around four key areas and become increasingly stringent for higher grades (e.g., A1, L6), which permit tendering for larger public sector projects.

The SRR documents for each workhead group (Construction Workhead (CW), Construction-Related Workhead (CR), Mechanical & Electrical Workhead (ME), etc.) detail the exact figures and qualifications required.

1. Financial Capability

Firms must demonstrate sufficient financial standing, which includes meeting specific minimums for Paid-Up Capital (PUC) and Net Worth.

• Requirement: The required PUC and Net Worth increase significantly with the grade applied for.

  
  

• Documentation: Submission of the latest Audited Accounts (for most grades above the entry level) or Management Accounts (for entry grades like C3, L1, and Single Grade) is mandatory.

  
  

• Example (Effective June 2025 Entry Grade):

  
  

  • Minimum Paid-Up Capital (PUC): S$50,000

  • Minimum Track Record: S$300,000 over the past three years.

2. Track Record

Applicants must prove they have successfully executed projects relevant to the workhead they are applying for.

• Requirement: Projects must be completed satisfactorily within the past three to five years (depending on the grade and workhead) and meet a minimum aggregate value.

  
  

• Documentation: Requires formal proof such as Letter of Award/Contract Agreement, Certificate of Substantial Completion, and Final Invoice/Payment Certificate endorsed by the client.

  
  

• Relevance: The track record must align with the specific activities defined in the workhead's description (e.g., CW01-General Building vs. CW02-Civil Engineering).

3. Relevant Technical Personnel

Firms must employ sufficient full-time technical personnel who hold relevant, recognized qualifications and experience.

• Role Requirements: Personnel are typically categorized as:

  
  

  • RP (Registrable Professional): Degree recognised by PEB, BOA, or BCA.

  • P (Professional): Degree or equivalent approved by BCA.

  • T (Technical): Relevant diploma or equivalent technical qualification.

    
    

• Personnel Ratio: Higher grades require a greater number of personnel with higher qualifications and longer relevant experience in Singapore.

4. Management & Development Certifications

These are mandatory certifications demonstrating the firm's commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.

• Common Requirements:

  
  

  • BizSAFE Level 3 (or higher) or ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety).

  • Higher grades may require the firm to employ personnel who have attained certifications like CCPP (Certified Construction Productivity Professional) or SDCP (Specialist Diploma in Construction Productivity).

Workhead-Specific Mandatory Licences

For certain high-risk workheads, the SRR mandates that the firm must hold the corresponding Builder's Licence under the separate BCA Builder Licensing Scheme (BLS).

CRS Workhead & Grade	Corresponding Mandatory BCA Licence
CW01 (General Building) A1 to B2	General Builder Class 1 (GB1)
CW02 (Civil Engineering) A1 to B2	General Builder Class 1 (GB1)
CW01 & CW02 (C1 to C3)	General Builder Class 1 or 2 (GB1 or GB2)
CR08 (Piling Works) All Grades	Specialist Builder (Piling Works) SB(PW)
CR10A (Automated Precast Production)	Specialist Builder (Precast Concrete Work) SB(PC)

Note: The official and most current SRR documents are published by the BCA on its website under the Contractors Registration System section. Requirements are periodically reviewed and updated.

Streamlining Success: How Bestar Singapore Simplifies Your Construction Services Licence Application

Your Essential Guide to Obtaining a Singapore Construction Services License

Navigating the stringent requirements of the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is the most critical hurdle for any construction firm. While the process of obtaining a Builder's Licence (BLS) or Contractors Registration System (CRS) workhead is complex, engaging a corporate services specialist like Bestar Singapore can dramatically accelerate your compliance and approval process.

Bestar offers comprehensive support that directly addresses the intricate financial, personnel, and documentation demands set by the BCA.

1. Expert Gap Analysis and Strategic Planning

The single biggest reason for BCA application delays is non-compliance with the Specific Registration Requirements (SRR). Bestar's services begin long before the application is submitted:

• Understanding Complex SRR: BCA's SRR documents for each workhead (e.g., CW01 - General Building) are dense and frequently updated. Bestar's consultants are experts in interpreting these requirements, ensuring you apply for the correct Workhead and Grade (like A1, B2, or C1).

  
  

• Pre-Application Assessment: Bestar conducts a thorough audit of your firm's current status against the required standards:

  
  

  • Financial Health: Assessing your current Paid-Up Capital and Net Worth against the minimums for your desired licence class (e.g., S$300,000 for General Builder Class 1).

  • Personnel Qualifications: Verifying the qualifications, experience, and certifications of your proposed Approved Person (AP) and Technical Controller (TC).

    
    

• Actionable Roadmap: If deficiencies are found (e.g., insufficient capital or personnel experience), Bestar provides a clear plan to address these gaps, such as advising on capital injection strategies or helping recruit suitable qualified professionals.

2. Meticulous Document Preparation and Optimization

A BCA application requires voluminous, perfectly organized documentation, from financial statements to project track records. Bestar’s primary value lies in ensuring flawless submission:

Key Documentation Area	Bestar's Assistance	Key Focus
Financial Submissions	Preparing and submitting the latest Audited Accounts (mandatory for higher grades) and confirming the company meets all financial ratios.	Construction Company Audit, Financial Compliance
Track Record	Optimizing the presentation of completed projects, ensuring all required supporting documents (Letter of Award, Completion Certificates, Final Invoices) are properly authenticated and meet the grade's aggregate value.	BCA Project Track Record, CRS Application
Personnel Data	Organizing and submitting the CVs, educational certificates, and CPF statements for the AP, TC, and other technical personnel, ensuring qualifications meet the specific SRR.	Approved Person (AP) Registration, Technical Controller
Statutory Compliance	Ensuring the company's ACRA BizFile is up-to-date and advising on necessary certifications like BizSAFE Level 3 (or higher) required for compliance.	ACRA Registration, Construction Compliance

By minimizing errors and ensuring documents are presented optimally, Bestar significantly reduces the processing time and the risk of application rejection or requests for clarification from the BCA.

3. Efficiency in Submission and Ongoing Compliance

The application is submitted via the BCA's Electronic Builders Licensing and Contractors Registration Systems (eBACS) portal. Bestar manages this technical process end-to-end:

• eBACS Navigation: Bestar utilizes its familiarity with the eBACS portal to handle the online submission swiftly and correctly.

  
  

• Liaison with BCA: Bestar acts as the professional intermediary, communicating with BCA officers to promptly address any queries during the 14-working-day assessment period, preventing delays.

  
  

• Holistic Corporate Support: Beyond licensing, Bestar offers a full suite of services essential for running a compliant construction firm in Singapore:

  
  

  • Company Incorporation: Full setup of your Private Limited Company.

  • Corporate Secretarial Services: Ensuring compliance with ACRA filings.

  • Accounting and Tax Advisory: Managing bookkeeping and tax compliance, which underpins the financial requirements for licence renewal.

  • Immigration Services: Assisting with Work Pass (S Pass/Work Permit) applications for your foreign construction workforce, a critical component tied to CRS registration.

Start Your Construction Journey with Confidence

Bestar Singapore positions itself as your comprehensive partner, translating complex regulatory compliance into a smooth, efficient process. By entrusting the administrative burden to experts, your management team can remain focused on what matters most: securing projects and overseeing high-quality construction works.

Connect with Bestar's services to begin an assessment for your specific construction licensing needs