Annual Leave & Other Leave Policies in Singapore

Annual leave is a crucial aspect of employment in Singapore, allowing employees to take a break from work and rejuvenate. Understanding the entitlements and regulations surrounding annual leave helps both employers and employees ensure compliance with labour laws.

Statutory Leave

Type of LeaveMinimum EntitlementCarry ForwardEligibilityClaim Payout
Annual Leave7 days (first year), up to 14 daysYesEmployees must have worked for at least 3 months.Paid by the employer.
Public Holidays11 public holidaysNoAll employees.

There are a total of 11 gazette public holidays.

Paid by the employer. Extra day off or pay if on rest day.
Sick Leave14 daysNoEmployees must have worked for at least 3 months and provide a medical certificate.Paid by the employer.
Hospitalization Leave60 days (includes Sick Leave)NoEmployees must have worked for at least 3 months.

The 60 days of paid hospitalization leave includes the 14 days paid outpatient sick leave entitlement.

Paid by the employer.
Maternity Leave16 weeksNoFemale employees who have worked for at least 3 months and whose child is a Singapore citizen.First 8 weeks paid by employer, remaining 8 weeks reimbursed by government.

 

Government Paid Leave

Type of LeaveMinimum EntitlementCarry ForwardEligibilityClaim Payout
Paternity Leave4 weekNoMale employees who have worked for at least 3 months and whose child is a Singapore citizen. Applicable for the local child who born on and after the 1st of April 2025.Paid by the government.
Childcare LeaveSingapore citizen are entitled 6 days per year until the child turn 7 years old. Parents of non-citizens can get 2 days of childcare leave a year.NoEmployees with children under 7 years old who have worked for at least 3 months.First 3 days paid by employer, remaining 3 days reimbursed by government.
Adoption Leave12 weeksNoFemale employees who have worked for at least 3 months and whose adopted child is a Singapore citizen.Paid by the government.
Infant Care Leave12 days per yearNoEmployees with children under 2 years old who have worked for at least 3 months.Unpaid leave.
Shared Parental Leave6 weeks (shared by both parents)NoEmployees who have worked for at least 3 months and whose child is a Singapore citizen.

Applicable for the child who born on or after the 1st of April 2025.

Paid by the government.
National Service LeaveAs required by Ministry of DefenceNoEmployees who are required to attend National Service.Paid by the government.

Public Holidays in Singapore

  • If employees are required to work on a public holiday, employer should pay an extra day’s salary or grant you off in lieu.
  • If employees work on a public holiday, different leave pay rules will be applied depending on whether the public holiday falls on a working day, a rest day or a non-working day.
If PH falls onThe employer must compensate
A working day
  • An extra day of basic salary
  • Gross salary for the holiday
  • Overtime pay if work beyond normal working hours
A non-working day
  • Overtime pay for extra hours on a non-working day
  • An extra day of gross salary or off-in-lieu for the holiday
A rest day
  • Payment for work done on rest day
  • Overtime pay if work beyond normal working hours
  • Next working day will be paid holiday

2025 Public Holidays

The dates of the 11 gazetted public holidays for 2025 are as follows:

HolidayDate
New Year’s Day1 January
Chinese New Year29 – 30 January
Hari Raya Puasa31 March
Good Friday18 April
Labour Day1 May
Vesak Day12 May
Hari Raya Haji7 June
National Day9 August
Deepavali20 October
Christmas Day25 December

Employer and Employee Responsibilities

Employers must ensure that their leave policies comply with Singapore’s labour laws and provide clear guidelines to employees. Employees, on the other hand, should familiarise themselves with their entitlements and follow the company’s leave procedures.

Ensuring Compliance

  • Employers: Maintain accurate records of leave taken and balance. Communicate leave policies clearly.
  • Employees: Submit leave applications in a timely manner. Keep track of leave balance and plan accordingly.

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Annual leave entitlements in Singapore provide employees with the opportunity to rest and recharge, contributing to their overall well-being and productivity. By understanding and adhering to leave regulations, both employers and employees can ensure a fair and compliant workplace environment.

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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Singapore employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: June 2025