Annual Leave in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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.
Part-time pro-rata formula: annual leave entitlement = (weekly hours worked ÷ 44) × statutory leave days for a full-time employee at the same length of service × 8 hours, rounded down to the nearest hour. Worked example: a part-timer working 22 hours/week in their 1st year gets (22 ÷ 44) × 7 × 8 = 28 hours of paid annual leave (≈ 3.5 working days at 8 hours/day).
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 to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Grant Your Annual Leave in Singapore
- 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.
Common Questions
How many days of annual leave do I get in Singapore?
Statutory annual leave under the Employment Act starts at 7 days in your first year and rises by one day each year to a cap of 14 days from the 8th year onward. You must have worked at least 3 months of continuous service to qualify. Annual leave is in addition to Singapore's 11 gazetted public holidays.
Do part-time workers get annual leave in Singapore?
Yes. Part-time employees receive pro-rated annual leave under the Employment Act (Part-Time Employees) Regulations. Your contract may also provide more than the statutory minimum — if it does, the more generous contract terms prevail. Independent contractors are not covered; only employees are.
Do I get paid out for unused annual leave when I leave my Singapore job?
Yes. If you resign or are terminated, you are entitled to payment in lieu of unused annual leave on a pro-rated basis. Unused leave can be carried forward only if your employer agrees — there is no statutory right to carry over. If your employer refuses to grant leave, file a complaint with MOM or claim through TADM.
Can I cash out unused annual leave in Singapore?
Only on termination. The Employment Act gives you the right to be paid in lieu of accrued unused annual leave when you leave the job (resignation or dismissal), pro-rated to your last day. While still employed, there is no statutory right to encash leave — your employer may permit it under company policy, but they may equally insist you take the days as time off. The cleanest way to avoid losing leave is to plan your dates well before year-end and get them approved in writing.
When does it apply — annual leave?
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 I do if my employer will not let me take my annual leave entitlement in Singapore?
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 — annual leave?
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.