Paternity Leave in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide for Fathers

Becoming a father is a joyous occasion, but it also brings significant responsibilities. In Singapore, the government recognizes the importance of fathers' involvement in childcare and has implemented a Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) policy to support working fathers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Singapore's paternity leave, addressing common questions and concerns.

How Many Days/Weeks of Paternity Leave Am I Entitled To?

The duration of paternity leave in Singapore is evolving. Here's a breakdown of the current and upcoming policies:

Current Policy (Until 31 March 2025)

• Eligible working fathers are entitled to up to four weeks of GPPL.ⓘ
  Note: Currently, the additional two weeks of GPPL are voluntary, subject to employer agreement, but from April 1, 2025, the full four weeks will be mandatory for eligible working fathers.
  
• The first two weeks are mandatory.
• The additional two weeks are voluntary, subject to employer agreement.

Upcoming Policy (From 1 April 2025)

• All four weeks of GPPL will become mandatory for eligible working fathers of Singaporean children born on or after 1 April 2025.

Eligibility requires the child to be a Singapore citizen, the father to be lawfully married to the mother, and the father to have served the employer for at least three months before the child's birth.

What is Paternity Leave and Who is Eligible?

Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) in Singapore supports working fathers in caring for their newborn or newly adopted children. Eligibility hinges on several factors:

Eligibility Criteria:

Child's Citizenship

• The child must be a Singapore citizen at birth, or obtain citizenship within 12 months of birth.

ⓘ
For children born to at least one Singaporean citizen parent, eligibility for Singaporean citizenship by descent applies regardless of the child's birthplace. Since May 15, 2004, children born overseas to a Singaporean mother can inherit citizenship by descent, a privilege previously exclusive to children of Singaporean fathers. The application for citizenship by descent should ideally be submitted within 12 months of birth, but delayed submissions are possible with an explanation for the delay.

Marital Status

• Fathers must be or have been lawfully married to the child's mother between conception and birth, or within 12 months after birth.

Employment Requirements

• Employees: Served the employer for at least 3 continuous months before the child's birth.
• Self-Employed: Engaged in a trade/business/profession for at least 3 continuous months before the birth and experienced income loss during leave.

Additional Considerations

• Adoptive Fathers: Eligible if they meet criteria, including a Formal Intent to Adopt (FIA) on or after January 1, 2017, and the child is a Singapore citizen or meets citizenship requirements.
• Stillbirths: Fathers may be eligible if they meet specified criteria, including a certified Notification of Stillbirth or stillbirth certificate.

Duration of Leave:

Up to four weeks of GPPL (two mandatory, two voluntary until March 31, 2025; four mandatory from April 1, 2025).

Leave Arrangements:

Leave can be taken continuously or flexibly, within 16 weeks after birth (or 12 months from birth, subject to employer agreement).

Reimbursement:

The government reimburses employers up to $2,500 per week, capped at $10,000 total (including CPF contributions).

What Documents Do I Need to Apply?

Applying for GPPL requires several documents, depending on your situation:

For Natural Fathers:

• Child's birth certificate(s)
• Notification of Stillbirth/Certificate of Registration of Stillbirth (if applicable)
• Child's Singapore citizenship certificate (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate

For Adoptive Fathers:

• Child's birth certificate(s)
• Court application to adopt (for Singapore citizen children)
• Dependant's Pass/approved application (for non-Singapore citizen children)

Additional Requirements:

• Declaration Form (GPPL1)
• For self-employed: Latest Notice of Assessment from IRAS

Can I Take My Paternity Leave Flexibly?

Yes, GPPL can be taken flexibly, subject to mutual agreement with your employer. While a continuous block is an option, you can take the leave in separate days. If no agreement is reached, the default is a continuous block within 16 weeks after the child's birth.

Will I Receive My Full Salary During Paternity Leave?

You will receive your usual salary during GPPL. Your employer pays you, and the government reimburses the employer (capped at $2,500 per week, up to $10,000 total).

What Happens If My Employer Refuses to Grant Me Paternity Leave?

Refusal without reasonable cause is a violation of the law. Employers face penalties (fines up to $10,000 and/or jail time up to 12 months for repeat offenders).ⓘ
Penalties for non-compliance can vary based on the specific violation. While employers failing to submit CPF contributions may face fines up to $10,000 and/or up to 12 months' imprisonment for repeat offenses, hiring a foreigner without a valid work pass could result in fines ranging from SGD 5,000 to SGD 30,000 and/or up to 12 months of imprisonment. Additionally, hiring phantom workers could lead to fines of up to S$20,000, 2 years' imprisonment, or both. Thus, penalties differ by offense, but the stated penalties are accurate for some cases of non-compliance.
Report any unjustified denial to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Do I Still Qualify If My Child Is Not Born in Singapore?

The child's citizenship, not birth location, determines eligibility. Your child must be a Singapore citizen at birth or become one within 12 months. Other eligibility criteria (marital status, employment duration) also apply.

What is the Deadline for Using My Paternity Leave?

GPPL must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth. It can be taken continuously within 16 weeks after birth, or non-continuously within the first year, with employer agreement.

Can I Share My Wife's Maternity Leave Instead?

From April 1, 2025, the Shared Parental Leave (SPL) scheme replaces the current shared maternity leave arrangement. This provides 10 weeks of paid parental leave (6 weeks initially, increasing to 10 weeks from April 1, 2026) that can be shared between parents, separate from paternity leave.

What If I'm Self-Employed?

Self-employed individuals are eligible for GPPL if they meet these conditions: at least three months in business before the birth, income loss during the leave period, and other eligibility criteria (child's citizenship, marital status). Claims are submitted online via the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal within three months of the leave period.

Conclusion

Singapore's paternity leave policy is designed to support fathers in their parental roles. Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and leave arrangements is crucial for ensuring a smooth process. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for assistance.