How Much Paternity Leave Does the Father Get in Singapore?
Fathers are entitled to up to 4 weeks of government-paid paternity leave for SC babies, plus additional shared parental leave options. Here is what you need to know.
Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL): What Fathers Get
Singapore fathers are entitled to Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL). The amount depends on the baby's citizenship status.
| Baby's Status | GPPL Duration | Who Pays | Mandatory vs Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen | 4 weeks total | Government (cap S$2,500/week) | 2 weeks mandatory employer must grant; 2 weeks optional (employer discretion, government still pays) |
| PR or foreigner | 2 weeks | Government (cap S$2,500/week) | 2 weeks mandatory |
The optional 2 weeks
For SC babies, 2 weeks of GPPL are mandatory (your employer must give them to you) and 2 weeks are optional (you can request them and the government still pays, but the employer is not legally required to grant them unless they have a workplace policy to do so). In practice, most employers approve the optional 2 weeks.
Eligibility for Paternity Leave
To qualify for GPPL, you must meet all of the following:
-
You are employed and have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before your child's birth
-
You are legally married to the child's mother
-
Your child is a Singapore Citizen (for 4 weeks) or PR/foreigner (for 2 weeks)
Paternity leave must be taken within 16 weeks of the child's birth. You do not need to take it all at once. With your employer's agreement, the leave can be taken in two separate blocks within this window.
Shared Parental Leave: Taking Part of Mother's Leave
On top of GPPL, fathers can also take Shared Parental Leave (SPL). This allows mothers to transfer up to 4 weeks of their GPML to the father.
| Leave Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPPL mandatory (SC baby) | 2 weeks | Employer must grant this |
| GPPL optional (SC baby) | 2 weeks | Employer may decline; government still pays if granted |
| Shared Parental Leave (SPL) | Up to 4 weeks (transferred from mother) | Mother must agree in writing; father takes within 12 months of birth |
Key SPL rules
- Mother and father cannot take SPL at the same time (not concurrent)
- Mother and father must both consent and put it in writing
- The weeks transferred are from the mother's GPML (weeks 5 to 8)
- Father's SPL must be taken within 12 months of the baby's birth
With GPPL (4 weeks) plus SPL (up to 4 weeks), a father in Singapore could potentially take up to 8 weeks of leave around the birth of an SC child.
Taking Your Leave: Timing and Practical Steps
Most fathers take the mandatory 2 weeks of GPPL immediately after the baby is born. The optional 2 weeks and any SPL can be taken later in the 12-month window.
Baby is born. Notify your employer. Begin mandatory 2 weeks of GPPL.
Optional 2 additional GPPL weeks can be taken now or saved for later in the 16-week window.
All GPPL weeks must be completed within 16 weeks of birth.
SPL (if agreed with mother) can be taken any time within 12 months of birth.
Your employer applies for GPPL reimbursement from the government on your behalf, similar to the maternity leave process. You do not need to contact MOM directly unless there is a dispute.