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Certain groups of dormitories that are not on the New Dormitory Standards will be required to meet DTS interim standards by 2030 to be eligible for the grant.
From 1 March to 31 August 2026, all existing dormitories in Singapore that are holding valid dormitory licences as of 28 February 2026, with leases expiring after 2033 and not on the New Dormitory Standards (NDS), are eligible to apply for a new grant under the Dormitory Transition Scheme (DTS).
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the DTS grant – announced on 17 January 2026 (Saturday) is designed to help defray the costs of retrofitting existing dormitories to meet interim DTS standards, with an estimated 900 migrant worker dormitories expected to benefit from the scheme.
These dormitories will be required to meet DTS interim standards by 2030 and will receive a unique application link. Key details of the grant are outlined below:
- There will be two windows for dormitories to undergo retrofitting. Higher funding will be provided for dormitories that complete retrofitting in the earlier window from 2026 to 2028.
- The amount of funding for each dormitory will also be determined by the type and extent of retrofitting works required.
Background
Announced in 2023, the DTS is part of MOM's multi-year efforts to improve the living conditions of migrant worker dormitories. Meanwhile, the NDS was introduced in 2021 as part of efforts to improve public health resilience in dormitories.
Existing dormitories which are not currently on the NDS will be required to meet the improved DTS interim standards by 2030. These dormitories will also be required to meet the NDS by 2040.
The standards for migrant worker dormitories are as follows:
MOM added that it will work closely with dormitory operators to align transition timelines, ensuring retrofitting efforts are managed smoothly while reducing disruption to bed supply and keeping costs in check.
"Dormitories will need to submit their intended retrofitting schedule for MOM’s approval, and must commit to completing the works within the approved schedule," the ministry stressed.
Speaking at the NESST Tukang dormitory opening ceremony, Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, shared further details on the DTS grant initiative, such as eligible dormitory operators receiving "between S$3,000 and S$8,800 for each type of retrofitting work completed per unit."
Minister Tan added that MOM will be conducting a series of briefings to eligible dormitories over the next few weeks to share the detailed requirements, application process, and support available.
Minister Tan expressed his thoughts in a Facebook post, saying: "NESST Tukang dormitory has shown that the new dormitory standards are achievable without raising costs beyond reach.
"We hope this spurs other dormitory operators to enhance the lived experience and wellbeing of our migrant workers."
Lead image / Minister Tan See Leng's Facebook
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