Outline
In short: By law, Singapore employers must give at least 7 days of paid annual leave (after 3 months’ service), 14 days of outpatient sick leave and up to 60 days of hospitalisation leave, and 11 paid public holidays. They must also pay CPF of 17% (employer) and 20% (employee) for citizens and PRs aged 55 and below, on wages up to S$8,000 a month in 2026. Parents of Singapore-citizen children also get government-paid maternity, paternity, shared parental and childcare leave. Foreign employees don’t get CPF, so many employers add medical insurance and allowances instead. Paul Hype Page helps new employers set up compliant payroll and employment contracts.
Statutory leave
| Benefit | Minimum entitlement |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 7 days in year 1 (after 3 months’ service), +1 day per year of service up to 14 days |
| Sick leave | 14 days outpatient + up to 60 days hospitalisation (the 60 includes the 14), after 3 months |
| Public holidays | 11 paid days a year |
| Maternity leave | 16 weeks of government-paid maternity leave (Singapore-citizen child) |
| Paternity leave | 4 weeks of government-paid paternity leave (children born from 1 Apr 2025) |
| Shared parental leave | 10 weeks shared between parents (children born from 1 Apr 2026) |
| Childcare leave | 6 days a year (Singapore-citizen child under 7); 2 days a year under the Employment Act for non-citizen children |
CPF contributions
- CPF applies to Singapore citizens and PRs, not to foreign pass holders.
- From 1 Jan 2026, the rates for employees aged 55 and below are 17% from the employer and 20% from the employee, on ordinary wages up to S$8,000 a month. Lower rates apply above age 55.
- CPF is due by the 14th of the following month. Late payment attracts interest.
Common optional benefits
Not required by law, but common: an Annual Wage Supplement (13th-month bonus), performance bonuses, group medical and hospitalisation insurance, dental, transport and phone allowances, flexible work, and extra leave such as birthday, marriage or compassionate leave (2–3 days is common, set by the contract).
Benefits for foreign employees
- Employment Pass holders don’t get CPF, but they’re covered by the Employment Act’s core terms, including leave and sick leave.
- Employers must buy medical insurance for Work Permit and S Pass holders, and work injury compensation insurance for staff covered by WICA.
- To attract EP hires, many employers offer housing or relocation allowances and private medical cover.
How Paul Hype Page helps
We set up your company (incorporation is S$800 plus the S$315 ACRA fee; ask us about our setup package), act as corporate secretary (S$600 a year), and handle accounting (S$1,200; excludes corporate tax filing). Payroll is quoted separately: contact us for a quote. For foreign hires, we apply for the Employment Pass. Paul Hype Page has a 96% EP success rate (PHP internal records, 1,000+ applications), offers a free EP eligibility check, and if MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free.
FAQ
How many days of annual leave must a Singapore employer give?
At least 7 days in the first year, once the employee has worked 3 months, rising by 1 day per year of service to 14 days.
Do foreign employees get CPF in Singapore?
No. CPF applies only to Singapore citizens and PRs. Employers often offer foreign staff private medical insurance or allowances instead.
What are the CPF rates in 2026?
For employees aged 55 and below: 17% from the employer and 20% from the employee, on ordinary wages up to S$8,000 a month.
Is a 13th-month bonus compulsory in Singapore?
No. The Annual Wage Supplement is common, but it’s not required unless the employment contract or a collective agreement says so.
Questions about your company? WhatsApp us or contact us. Free EP eligibility check, and you can sign documents remotely.
Related payroll services
Statutory benefits and CPF contributions are processed as part of a monthly payroll run. See our payroll outsourcing page.
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