Maternity Leave Singapore 2026: New Shared Parental Leave, Paternity Leave & What You're Entitled To

Maternity Leave: 16 Weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML)

The core entitlement for working mothers in Singapore remains at 16 weeks. Here's how the 16 weeks break down:

For the first 8 weeks, your employer pays your usual salary. The government reimburses your employer for weeks 5-8 (capped at $10,000 per 4-week block). For weeks 9-16, the government pays you directly, also capped at $10,000 per 4-week block.

Paternity Leave Doubled to 4 Weeks

One of the biggest changes in 2026: Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) doubles from 2 weeks to 4 weeks, effective 1 April 2026.

Key Details

• Duration: 4 weeks (up from 2 weeks)
• Pay: Government-paid, capped at $2,500 per week (total $10,000)
• Timing: Must be taken within 16 weeks of the child's birth
• Format: Can be taken as a continuous 4-week block or flexibly (with employer agreement)

What Changed

Previously, fathers got 2 weeks of government-paid paternity leave. The additional 2 weeks were technically part of the "shared parental leave" that mothers could transfer. From April 2026, fathers get 4 weeks as their own standalone entitlement — no transfer required from the mother.

NEW: 10 Weeks of Shared Parental Leave (From 1 April 2026)

This is the headline change for 2026. From 1 April, Singapore introduces 10 weeks of Shared Parental Leave — a completely new entitlement that parents can divide between themselves.

How It Works

• Total: 10 weeks of government-paid leave
• Who decides: Parents choose how to split the 10 weeks between them
• Pay: Government-paid, capped at $10,000 per 4-week period
• Timing: Must be used within 12 months of the child's birth
• Flexibility: Can be taken in blocks (with employer agreement)

Examples of How to Split

This flexibility is the real game-changer. Couples can plan their leave to ensure continuous care for their newborn in the critical first months.

Total: Up to 30 Weeks of Combined Parental Leave

Here's the full picture for a Singapore family in 2026:

That's nearly 7.5 months of paid parental leave available to a family. Even if not all taken consecutively, this gives Singapore parents significantly more flexibility in the critical first year.

Who Qualifies? Eligibility Criteria

For GPML (Maternity Leave)

• Child must be a Singapore Citizen at birth
• Mother must have been employed for at least 3 continuous months before delivery
• Must give employer at least 1 week's notice before starting leave (or as soon as practicable)

For GPPL (Paternity Leave)

• Child must be a Singapore Citizen
• Father must be lawfully married to the mother (between conception and birth)
• Father must have served employer for at least 3 continuous months before birth

For Shared Parental Leave

• Child must be a Singapore Citizen
• Parents must be lawfully married
• Both parents must have been employed for at least 3 continuous months
• Both parents must agree on how to divide the 10 weeks

Non-Citizen Children

If your child is not a Singapore Citizen, the mother is still entitled to 8 weeks of maternity leave under the Employment Act (employer-paid). However, the government-paid portions (GPML weeks 9-16, GPPL, and Shared Parental Leave) are not available.

How to Apply for Government-Paid Leave

Step 1: Notify Your Employer

Inform your employer in writing at least 1 week before your intended start date for maternity leave. For paternity leave and shared parental leave, give as much notice as possible.

Step 2: Employer Files the Claim

Your employer claims the government-paid portion through the Government-Paid Leave (GPL) Portal on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. They need:

• Child's birth certificate (showing Singapore Citizenship)
• Marriage certificate
• Employee's employment details and salary information

Step 3: Government Reimburses

The government reimburses your employer within 1-2 months of claim submission. Your salary should continue as normal during leave — the reimbursement is between the government and your employer.

Can I Take Maternity Leave Flexibly?

Yes, with some constraints:

First 8 Weeks

Must be taken as a continuous block. You can start up to 4 weeks before your estimated due date, or from the date of delivery.

Last 8 Weeks (Weeks 9-16)

Can be taken flexibly within 12 months of the child's birth, with employer agreement. This means you could return to work and take the remaining weeks in blocks later.

Shared Parental Leave (10 Weeks)

Can also be taken flexibly within 12 months, with employer agreement. This is particularly useful for staggering leave between parents.

Paternity Leave (4 Weeks)

Can be taken within 16 weeks of the child's birth. Can be split into blocks with employer agreement.

Self-Employed Parents: What Are Your Rights?

Self-employed mothers and fathers in Singapore are also eligible for government-paid leave, provided they meet the standard criteria (child is a Singapore Citizen, etc.).

How It Works for Self-Employed

• Maternity leave: Self-employed mothers can claim 16 weeks of GPML directly from the government (no employer involved)
• Paternity leave: Self-employed fathers can claim 4 weeks of GPPL
• Shared parental leave: Self-employed parents are eligible for the 10 weeks
• Claim amount: Based on your assessed income (capped at $10,000 per 4-week period)

Claims are filed through the IRAS e-Filing system or the GPL Portal. Keep records of your income for the 12 months before delivery.