Maternity and Paternity 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?
Singapore provides statutory maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave:
- Maternity leave: 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) for the first and second child (employer pays the first 8 weeks, government reimburses the last 8). For third and subsequent children, all 16 weeks are government-paid.
- Paternity leave: 2 weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL).
- Shared parental leave: Mothers can share up to 4 weeks of their 16-week maternity leave with the father.
- Adoption leave: 12 weeks for qualifying adoptive mothers.
- Childcare leave: 6 days/year per parent for children under 7 (2 employer-paid, 4 government-paid). Plus 2 days extended childcare leave for children aged 7–12.
When does it apply?
- Maternity leave: You have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before delivery, and your child is a Singapore citizen (for government-paid portion).
- Paternity leave: You are a lawfully married father, have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months, and your child is a Singapore citizen.
- Childcare leave: You have worked for your employer for at least 3 months and your child is under 7 (or 7–12 for extended leave).
- Non-citizen children: Mothers still get 8 weeks maternity leave under the Employment Act, but not the additional 8 weeks of government-paid leave.
What should you do?
- Notify your employer at least 1 week before starting maternity leave (or as soon as practicable).
- For paternity leave, give 1 week's notice and take it within 16 weeks of the child's birth.
- If your employer refuses to grant leave, file a complaint with MOM.
- Dismissal during maternity leave is unlawful — if dismissed, file a wrongful dismissal claim with TADM immediately.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume leave is automatic — you must notify your employer and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Don't work during maternity leave without understanding the implications — if you voluntarily return early, you forfeit the remaining leave.
- Don't confuse childcare leave with annual leave — they are separate entitlements and cannot be substituted.
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