Singapore public holidays in 2027 include 11 gazetted public holidays, with 4 falling on Sundays that trigger replacement holidays. The Employment Act requires all employers to observe these holidays and provide paid time off to eligible employees.
Singapore’s multi-ethnic holiday calendar reflects its Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Christian communities. Getting public holiday compliance wrong exposes your business to MOM enforcement and employee claims.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore observes 11 gazetted public holidays in 2027
- 4 holidays fall on Sundays, triggering replacement holidays on Monday
- Employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year
- The Public Holiday Calculator (PHC) is the official date reference
- Employers must display the holiday list at the workplace
Singapore Public Holidays 2027
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) publishes the official list through the Public Holiday Calculator:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Friday |
| Chinese New Year | 3 February | Wednesday |
| Chinese New Year (Day 2) | 4 February | Thursday |
| Good Friday | 26 March | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Saturday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 16 June | Wednesday |
| National Day | 9 August | Monday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 24 August | Tuesday |
| Deepavali | 1 November | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Saturday |
Note: When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day is a replacement holiday. Labour Day (1 May) falls on a Saturday in 2027. Christmas Day (25 December) falls on a Saturday — check MOM for replacement rules.
Replacement Holidays in 2027
| Original Holiday | Falls On | Replacement Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | Saturday, 1 May | Check MOM notification |
| Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December | Check MOM notification |
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following is typically a replacement holiday. The exact replacement dates are confirmed by MOM.
What the Employment Act Requires
Eligible Employees
Under the Employment Act, all employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or contract employees (if covered under the Act).
Non-Working Day vs. Public Holiday
- If a public holiday falls on a Sunday and the employee doesn’t normally work on Sunday, the next working day is a replacement holiday
- If a public holiday falls on a rest day other than Sunday, the next working day is a replacement holiday
Paying Employees on Public Holidays
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- Basic pay for the day worked
- An extra day’s salary or a replacement day off within 30 days
Rest Day vs. Public Holiday
Rest days and public holidays are different entitlements. An employee’s rest day is not automatically a public holiday. If a public holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the next working day becomes the replacement holiday.
Additional Holidays for Specific Groups
Shift Workers
Shift workers are entitled to 11 paid public holidays. If a public holiday falls on a rest day, the replacement holiday rules apply as normal.
Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees are entitled to pro-rated public holiday pay based on their working days.
Foreign Employees
All employees working in Singapore, regardless of nationality, are entitled to public holidays under the Employment Act.
Sector-Specific Considerations
Essential Services
Businesses providing essential services (healthcare, transport, utilities) may need to operate on public holidays. Employees working on these days must receive the additional day’s salary or replacement day off.
Tourism and Hospitality
Singapore’s tourism sector operates on public holidays. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions should plan staffing and ensure compliance with public holiday pay requirements.
Financial Services
Banks and financial institutions close on public holidays. However, digital banking operations may require skeleton staffing.
Common Mistakes
1. Not Providing Replacement Holidays
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, some employers forget to provide the Monday replacement holiday. This is non-compliant.
2. Paying Only Basic Salary
Employees who work on public holidays must receive an extra day’s salary or a replacement day off. Paying only the basic salary is non-compliant.
3. Not Updating for New Holidays
MOM occasionally gazettes additional holidays. Monitor MOM announcements and update your holiday calendar accordingly.
4. Confusing Rest Days with Public Holidays
Rest days and public holidays are separate entitlements. An employee’s rest day is not automatically a public holiday.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain records of:
- Public holiday calendar for each year
- Dates when employees worked on public holidays
- Additional salary paid or replacement days off granted
- Employee consent forms for working on public holidays
Keep records for at least two years as required by MOM.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Financial penalties imposed by MOM
- Composition fines for minor offences
- Prosecution for serious breaches
- Employment Pass revocation for repeat offenders
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give all 11 public holidays to my employees?
Yes. Under the Employment Act, all employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year. You cannot reduce this entitlement.
What if an employee refuses to work on a public holiday?
An employee cannot be forced to work on a public holiday without their agreement. If they agree, they must receive the additional day’s salary or replacement day off.
Can I replace public holidays with other days?
No. You cannot substitute gazetted public holidays with other days. However, you can grant additional holidays as part of your company policy.
Are contract employees entitled to public holidays?
Contract employees covered under the Employment Act are entitled to public holidays. Check MOM guidelines for specific entitlements.
Tracking Singapore’s public holidays across teams? Leave Balance auto-applies MOM-gazetted holidays, manages replacement holiday scheduling, and keeps your compliance records audit-ready.