Paternity Leave Singapore 2025: 4 Weeks GPPL Guide
From 1 April 2025, fathers in Singapore are entitled to 4 weeks of mandatory Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL), doubled from 2 weeks previously. Fathers can also take an additional 6 weeks of Shared Parental Leave (increasing to 10 weeks from April 2026). Payment is capped at $2,500 per week, with a maximum of $10,000 for 4 weeks GPPL.
What's Changing in 2025
The Singapore Government announced major enhancements to paternity leave as part of the enhanced parental leave package. These changes take effect from 1 April 2025.
- GPPL doubles: From 2 weeks to 4 weeks mandatory
- Shared Parental Leave: New 6 weeks for fathers (from mother's entitlement)
- Employment protection: Legal protection against dismissal for taking paternity leave
- Payment cap: $2,500 per week, up to $10,000 per child for GPPL
These changes apply to children born on or after 1 April 2025. If your child is born before this date, the previous 2-week GPPL entitlement applies.
Government-Paid Paternity Leave Explained
Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) is a statutory entitlement for working fathers in Singapore. The Government reimburses employers for the leave taken.
How to Take Your 4 Weeks GPPL
| Leave Component | Duration | When to Take | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| First block | 2 weeks | Within 8 weeks of birth | Must be continuous |
| Second block | 2 weeks | Within 12 months of birth | Can be taken flexibly |
The flexible 2 weeks can be taken as single days or in blocks, subject to employer agreement. You must use all 4 weeks within 12 months of your child's birth or they will be forfeited.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Government-Paid Paternity Leave in Singapore, you must meet all of the following criteria:
GPPL Eligibility Criteria
1. Child is a Singapore Citizen
Your child must be a Singapore Citizen at birth. This is typically the case if at least one parent is a Singapore Citizen.
2. Lawfully Married
You must be lawfully married to the child's mother at the time of birth, or within a specified period before birth.
3. Employment Requirement
You must have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before the child's birth.
Additional Requirements for Shared Parental Leave
- The mother must be eligible for Government-Paid Maternity Leave
- The mother must consent to transfer her leave
- The transfer must be declared to both employers
Payment and Caps
GPPL is paid at your regular rate of pay, subject to a cap. The Government reimburses your employer for the leave.
Payment Rates
| Leave Type | Weekly Cap | Maximum Per Child |
|---|---|---|
| GPPL (4 weeks) | $2,500/week | $10,000 |
| SPL (6 weeks in 2025) | $2,500/week | $15,000 |
| SPL (10 weeks from 2026) | $2,500/week | $25,000 |
If your monthly salary is $10,833 or less (approximately $2,500/week), you will receive your full pay during paternity leave. If you earn more, you will receive $2,500/week from the Government, and your employer may top up the difference (but is not required to).
How to Apply for Paternity Leave
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
Inform your employer at least 1 week before you intend to take leave. Provide the expected delivery date and your proposed leave dates.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
After birth, provide your employer with:
- Child's birth certificate (showing Singapore Citizenship)
- Your marriage certificate
- Leave application form (if required by your employer)
Step 3: Employer Claims Reimbursement
Your employer pays you during the leave period and claims reimbursement from the Government through the GPPL portal on the CPF Board website.
For Self-Employed Fathers
Self-employed fathers can claim GPPL directly from the Government. You must apply through the CPF Board within 3 months after the end of your paternity leave period.
Employment Protection
From 1 April 2025, Singapore law provides statutory employment protection for fathers taking paternity leave.
What This Means
- Your employer cannot dismiss you for taking or intending to take GPPL
- You cannot be penalised for requesting paternity leave
- Your employment terms cannot be changed unfavourably due to taking leave
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses
- Put your leave request in writing
- Reference the Child Development Co-Savings Act
- If refused, file a complaint with MOM (Ministry of Manpower)
- You can also seek assistance from TADM (Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management)
Total Family Leave 2025-2026
With the new enhancements, Singapore families have significantly more paid leave available:
Total Leave Available (From April 2025)
| Leave Type | Mother | Father | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 16 weeks | - | 16 weeks |
| Paternity Leave (GPPL) | - | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Shared Parental Leave | 6 weeks (shared) | 6 weeks | |
| Unpaid Infant Care Leave | 6 days | 6 days | 12 days |
| Family Total | Up to 30 weeks by 2026 | ||
From April 2026, Shared Parental Leave increases to 10 weeks. This means families will have a total of 30 weeks of paid parental leave available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks of paternity leave in Singapore 2025?
From 1 April 2025, fathers are entitled to 4 weeks of mandatory Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL), doubled from 2 weeks previously. In addition, fathers can take up to 6 weeks of Shared Parental Leave (from the mother's entitlement), for a potential total of 10 weeks.
What is the payment cap for paternity leave?
GPPL is paid at your full gross rate of pay, capped at $2,500 per week. For 4 weeks of GPPL, the maximum payment is $10,000 per child. The Government reimburses employers for this amount.
Who is eligible for paternity leave in Singapore?
To be eligible: (1) Your child must be a Singapore Citizen at birth, (2) You must be lawfully married to the child's mother, (3) You must have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before the birth.
Can I take paternity leave flexibly?
Yes. The first 2 weeks must be taken as a continuous block within 8 weeks of birth. The remaining 2 weeks can be taken flexibly within 12 months, subject to employer agreement. They can be taken as single days or blocks.
What is Shared Parental Leave?
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows fathers to share their wife's maternity leave. From April 2025, fathers can take 6 weeks of SPL (increasing to 10 weeks from April 2026). The mother must consent to the transfer, and her leave is reduced accordingly.
What if my employer refuses paternity leave?
From 1 April 2025, Singapore law provides employment protection. Employers cannot dismiss you for taking GPPL. If refused, put your request in writing, reference the Child Development Co-Savings Act, and file a complaint with MOM if needed.