Singapore’s Employment Act entitles every employee to 11 paid public holidays per year, and employers who require staff to work on these days must provide an alternative holiday or extra pay. In 2027, Singapore observes 11 public holidays, with Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji dates subject to confirmation based on the Islamic calendar.
This guide covers every 2027 public holiday, pay obligations, and how to handle the unique aspects of Singapore’s holiday system.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore has 11 gazetted public holidays in 2027
- All employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year under the Employment Act
- If employees work on a public holiday, they receive an extra day’s pay or a replacement day off
- When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a replacement holiday
- Part-time employees are entitled on a pro-rata basis
All 11 Public Holidays in 2027
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Friday |
| Chinese New Year | 26 January | Wednesday |
| Chinese New Year (2nd Day) | 27 January | Thursday |
| Good Friday | 26 March | Friday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | ~20 March* | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Sunday |
| Vesak Day | 22 May | Saturday |
| Hari Raya Haji | ~27 May* | Thursday |
| National Day | 9 August | Monday |
| Deepavali | 20 October | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Saturday |
*Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji dates are estimates based on the Islamic calendar. The actual dates are proclaimed by the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony and announced by the Ministry of Manpower.
Replacement Holiday Rules
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the replacement:
| Holiday | Original Date | Replacement Day |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | Sunday 1 May | Monday 2 May |
| Vesak Day | Saturday 22 May | — (not transferred from Saturday) |
| Christmas Day | Saturday 25 December | — (not transferred from Saturday) |
Important: In Singapore, replacement holidays are only granted when a public holiday falls on a Sunday. Saturday holidays are not automatically transferred.
However, if two public holidays fall on the same day, the second one is replaced on the next working day. In 2027, this may apply if Hari Raya dates shift.
How Public Holidays Affect Pay
Employees Who Don’t Work
If a public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work, they receive:
- A paid day off at their normal daily wage
Employees Who Work
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- An extra day’s pay at their basic rate, OR
- A replacement day off within 30 days
The employee chooses which option they prefer.
Part-Time and Shift Workers
Part-time employees are entitled to public holiday pay on a pro-rata basis. The calculation is:
Public holiday pay = (Hours per week / Days per week) × Daily rate
Calculating Daily Wage
For employees with fixed monthly salaries:
Daily wage = Monthly salary / Number of days in the month
For employees with variable pay:
Daily wage = Total wages in last 12 months / Number of days worked
National Day: Special Rules
National Day (9 August) is Singapore’s most significant public holiday:
- All businesses should close unless they have obtained an exemption from the Ministry of Manpower
- Essential services (healthcare, utilities, transport) may operate with reduced staff
- Workers required to work on National Day receive premium pay as per their employment contract
Common Employer Challenges
1. Islamic Calendar Variability
Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji dates shift annually. Monitor the Ministry of Manpower announcements for confirmed dates each year. In 2027, Hari Raya Puasa may fall around 20 March and Hari Raya Haji around 27 May.
2. Multi-Cultural Workforce
Singapore’s workforce spans multiple cultures. While all 11 public holidays apply equally, employees may also request time off for cultural or religious observances not on the gazetted list. Handle these as unpaid leave or annual leave.
3. Replacement Day Tracking
When Labour Day and Christmas fall on Sundays in 2027, tracking the Monday replacements is essential. Missing a replacement day creates payroll discrepancies.
4. Contract vs Statutory Entitlements
Some employment contracts provide more than 11 public holidays. Review your contracts to ensure you meet or exceed the contractual commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all employees get 11 paid public holidays?
Yes. Under the Employment Act, all employees (including part-time and contract workers) are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year.
Can an employer require employees to work on a public holiday?
Yes, but employees must receive either an extra day’s pay or a replacement day off within 30 days.
What if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
The following Monday is observed as a replacement holiday. The employee receives the Monday off instead.
Do foreign employees get public holidays?
Yes. All employees working in Singapore under the Employment Act are entitled to public holidays regardless of nationality.
Are there any additional public holidays?
The government may occasionally gazette additional holidays for special occasions (e.g., a one-off holiday for a national celebration). Monitor the Ministry of Manpower for announcements.