Maternity & Paternity Leave (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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?
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 to Do If Your Employer Denies or Penalises You for Taking Maternity or Paternity Leave in Singapore
- 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.
About Workers' Rights in Singapore
Singapore has no universal minimum wage — instead, the Employment Act (Cap. 91) sets the floor for most private-sector workers, the Progressive Wage Model handles sectoral pay, and the Local Qualifying Salary (S$1,600/month) gates foreign worker hiring. CPF takes mandatory contributions for retirement, healthcare, and housing. Safety runs under the Workplace Safety and Health Act (Cap. 354A), and on-the-job injuries are no-fault under the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019. Disputes go to TADM mediation first, then the Employment Claims Tribunals within 1 year. The Workplace Fairness Act 2025 covers discrimination.
Common Questions
How many weeks of maternity leave do I get in Singapore?
Singapore provides 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave 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. You must have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months, and the child must be a Singapore citizen for the full entitlement.
How much paternity leave are Singapore fathers entitled to?
Lawfully married fathers get 2 weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave, provided they have worked at least 3 continuous months and the child is a Singapore citizen. Give your employer at least 1 week's notice and take the leave within 16 weeks of the child's birth. Mothers can also share up to 4 weeks of their 16-week maternity leave with the father.
Can I be dismissed during maternity leave in Singapore?
No. Dismissal during maternity leave is unlawful. If you are dismissed while on maternity leave, file a wrongful dismissal claim with TADM immediately. If your employer refuses to grant leave at all, file a complaint with MOM. Non-citizen children's mothers still get 8 weeks under the Employment Act, just without the additional 8 weeks of government-paid leave.
What is the maternity and paternity leave right in Singapore?
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...
When does it apply — maternity and paternity leave?
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 I do if my employer refuses to grant my maternity or paternity leave in Singapore?
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 — maternity and paternity leave?
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.