Annual Leave
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to paid annual leave that increases with years of service:
- 1st year of service: 7 days
- 2nd year: 8 days
- 3rd year: 9 days
- 4th year: 10 days
- 5th year: 11 days
- 6th year: 12 days
- 7th year: 13 days
- 8th year and beyond: 14 days
You must have worked for at least 3 months to qualify. Annual leave is in addition to the 11 gazetted public holidays.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee covered by the Employment Act (local or foreign, all salary levels).
- You have completed at least 3 months of continuous service.
- Part-time employees receive pro-rated annual leave under the Employment Act (Part-Time Employees) Regulations.
What should you do?
- Check your contract — many employers provide more than the statutory minimum. Your contract prevails if it is more generous.
- If your employer refuses to grant leave, file a complaint with MOM or claim through TADM.
- If you resign or are terminated, you are entitled to payment in lieu of unused annual leave (pro-rated).
- Unused leave can be carried forward if your employer agrees, but there is no statutory right to carry over.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't forfeit unused leave without checking — if your employer's policy says "use it or lose it," confirm whether this applies to statutory leave (it may not).
- Don't confuse annual leave with sick leave — they are separate entitlements.
- Don't assume contractors get annual leave — independent contractors are not covered; only employees are.
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