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.
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.
Reimbursement:
The government reimburses Paternity Leave to employers up to $2,500 per week, capped at $10,000 total (including CPF contributions).
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)
- Currently, take active from 1 January 2017, eligible working fathers, including those who are self-employed, are entitled to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave funded by the government.
- Government-paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) will be doubled from 2 to 4 weeks for eligible fathers of children born from 1 January 2024 onwards. Employers can grant the additional 2 weeks of GPPL on a voluntary basis, which will be reimbursed by the government.
Upcoming Policy (From 1 April 2025)
- From 1 April 2025, the additional 2 weeks of voluntary GPPL will be mandatory. Eligible working fathers with Singapore citizen children born on or after 1 April 2025 will be entitled to 4 weeks of GPPL.
Curious about the Paternity Leave reimbursement amount? Estimate it right here!
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)
- Formal Intent to Adopt (FIA) date is on and after 1 Jan 2017.
- Dependant's Pass/approved application (for non-Singapore citizen children)
Find out more documents needed to apply Paternity Leave on the official Government-Paid Leave portal.
Can I Take My Paternity Leave Flexibly?
Yes, Paternity Leave 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. Take a look on the table below to arrange your
|
Arrangements |
2 weeks GPPL |
| Default, without any mutual agreement | Take 2 continuous weeks within 16 weeks after the birth of the child. |
| Flexibly, by mutual agreement |
|
| Calculating actual leave days | 2 weeks x the number of working days in the week (Capped at 6 working days per week)Example: If you work 6 days a week, then you will get 12 days of GPPL |
Curious about the reimbursement amount? Estimate it right here!
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, including CPF contributions).
What Happens If My Employer Refuses to Grant Me Paternity Leave?
Refusal without reasonable cause is a violation of the law. Employers face penalties fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed up to 6 months. These penalties increase to fines of up to $10,000 and jail terms of up to 12 months for repeat offenders.
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 16 weeks after the birth of the child. 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 1 April 2025, the current shared parental leave scheme will cease and be replaced with a new scheme. The new scheme comprises 10 weeks of paid parental leave, shared between both parents. It will be implemented in two phases:
- From 1 April 2025: 6 weeks of shared parental leave
- From 1 April 2026: 10 weeks of shared parental leave
The 10 weeks of leave is provided on top of GPML and GPPL entitlements.
What If I'm Self-Employed?
Self-employed individuals are eligible for GPPL if they meet these conditions: at least working 3 months in company 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 3 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.
