Policy Highlights
Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has announced that the Contractors Registration System (CRS) will be expanded into a nationwide mandatory regime.
Effective 1 June 2025, all construction-related companies employing foreign workers under S Pass or Work Permit (WP) — regardless of whether they undertake public or private sector projects — must be registered under the CRS.
This marks a fundamental shift from the previous framework, where CRS registration was required only for contractors undertaking public sector projects.
Under the new policy, CRS becomes a compulsory, industry-wide requirement.
Key Changes
1. Mandatory CRS Registration for All Construction Companies
CRS registration is now required for companies engaged in:
- Structural works
- Renovation and fit-out works
- Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) works
- Site services and other construction-related activities
Regardless of project type, any company that employs foreign workers (WP / S Pass) must complete CRS registration.
2. Higher Entry Requirements for Lower-Tier Categories
BCA has also raised the minimum registration thresholds for entry-level CRS categories (e.g. ME01, CW01):
- Paid-Up Capital
- New requirement: ≥ SGD 50,000
- Previously: approximately SGD 25,000
- Track Record (Past 3 Years)
- New requirement: ≥ SGD 300,000
- Previously: approximately SGD 100,000
Companies that do not meet the revised criteria will not be able to apply for or renew foreign worker quotas.
Policy Impact on the Industry
This policy change has significant implications for the construction sector:
- Contractors with high reliance on foreign labour must ensure full CRS compliance
- Smaller companies may need to increase paid-up capital or consolidate operations
- Companies employing WP / S Pass holders must plan CRS registration early
- Without CRS registration, companies will:
- Be unable to undertake public sector projects
- Be prohibited from employing foreign workers, even for private projects
The policy aims to raise industry standards, strengthen regulatory oversight, and encourage contractors to improve financial strength, governance, and management capability.
BUILD360 Professional Recommendations
BUILD360 advises construction companies to:
- Conduct an immediate review of paid-up capital and track record status
- Plan early capital injection or project record consolidation if requirements are not met
- For groups operating multiple entities, coordinate CRS registration centrally to avoid manpower disruptions
- Prepare for tighter integration between CRS status, recruitment, WP applications, and workforce planning, as these systems will be increasingly interconnected
Information Source
- BCA Official Announcement — Contractors Registration System (CRS) Updates
