How Much Maternity Leave Am I Entitled to in Singapore?
Singapore mothers can receive up to 16 weeks of government-paid maternity leave. Your entitlement depends on your baby's citizenship and your own eligibility.
Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML): How Much You Get
The amount of maternity leave you receive depends primarily on whether your baby is a Singapore Citizen.
| Leave Type | Duration | Who Pays | Baby's Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPML (full) | 16 weeks | Employer (wks 1-8) + Government (wks 9-16) | Singapore Citizen |
| Maternity leave (shorter) | 12 weeks | Employer (wks 1-8) + Government (wks 9-12) | PR or foreigner |
| Adoption leave | 4 weeks | Government | SC child under 12 months at time of formal intent |
4th child and beyond
The 16-week entitlement applies regardless of birth order. There is no additional leave for higher-order births, but there is also no reduction.
Eligibility for Government-Paid Maternity Leave
You must meet all of the following conditions to qualify for GPML:
You are employed and have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before the birth of your child
Your child is a Singapore Citizen at birth (for 16 weeks) or becomes one within 12 months
You are legally married (for the government-paid portion; employer-paid leave applies regardless of marital status)
If your baby is not yet a Singapore Citizen at birth
If you apply for your baby's SC status within 12 months of birth and it is granted, the additional weeks of GPML (weeks 9 to 16) can still be claimed. You would initially receive 12 weeks, with the remaining 4 weeks becoming claimable once citizenship is confirmed.
Adoption Leave in Singapore
Mothers who adopt a child under 12 months old are entitled to 4 weeks of government-paid adoption leave.
- The child must be a Singapore Citizen or become one within 12 months
- You must be employed for at least 3 continuous months before the formal intent to adopt
- The leave must be taken within 12 months of the child's date of formal placement
- Claim is made via your employer who then claims reimbursement from the government
Adoptive fathers are also entitled to 2 weeks of government-paid paternity leave for adopted children who are SC, subject to the same employment eligibility criteria.
Part-Time and Contract Workers
The 3-month employment requirement applies regardless of whether you are full-time, part-time, or on a contract. If you have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months, you qualify.
For part-time workers, the pay during maternity leave is calculated based on your actual salary and working pattern, up to the government cap of $10,000 per 4-week block.
Fixed-term contract workers
If your contract ends during your maternity leave, your employer is still obligated to pay maternity leave for the period you were employed. Speak to MOM if your employer attempts to terminate your contract at the start of your maternity leave.