In Singapore, the Government-Paid Shared Parental Leave (GPPL) scheme allows eligible fathers to share up to four weeks of the mother's 16 weeks of Government-Paid Parental Leave. This enables both parents to participate in the early care of their newborn child. The shared leave is fully government-funded and reimbursed to employers, making it cost-neutral for businesses. The child must be a Singapore citizen for the family to qualify.

Statutory entitlement

Up to 4 weeks of Government-Paid Shared Parental Leave, shared from the mother's 16-week Government-Paid Parental Leave entitlement. Paid at the employee's gross rate of pay, capped at S$10,000 per four-week period. Fully government-reimbursed to employers.

Eligibility

The child must be a Singapore citizen. Both parents must be legally married (or the father has acknowledged paternity). The father must have worked for his employer for at least three months before the birth. The mother must be eligible for Government-Paid Parental Leave. The shared leave must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth.

Employer obligations

  • Grant up to 4 weeks of shared parental leave to eligible fathers.
  • Pay the employee's gross rate of pay during shared parental leave.
  • Claim government reimbursement for shared parental leave pay through the Government-Paid Shared Parental Leave scheme.
  • Maintain the employee's position and all employment terms during shared parental leave.
  • Not dismiss the employee during the shared parental leave period.

Employee rights

  • Right to up to 4 weeks of government-paid shared parental leave.
  • Right to be paid at the gross rate of pay during shared parental leave (capped at S$10,000 per four-week period).
  • Right to return to the same position after shared parental leave.
  • Right to take shared parental leave flexibly within 12 months of the child's birth, by the week.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing shared parental leave with paternity leave — shared parental leave is separate from the 2 weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave; both can be taken.
  • Missing the 12-month window — shared parental leave must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth, not the due date.
  • Assuming the mother loses her full 16 weeks — shared leave reduces the mother's entitlement by the number of weeks transferred to the father, so the total family entitlement remains 16 weeks plus the father's 2 weeks of paternity leave.

How shared parental leave works

The mother is entitled to 16 weeks of Government-Paid Parental Leave. Of these 16 weeks, up to four weeks can be transferred to the father as Government-Paid Shared Parental Leave. The remaining 12 weeks are retained by the mother. Both parents must agree to the transfer, and the father's employer must approve the leave arrangement.

Government funding structure

For the first two children, the mother's 16-week entitlement includes four weeks that are employer-funded and 12 weeks that are government-paid. Shared parental leave drawn from the employer-funded portion is not reimbursed to the employer. For the third and subsequent children, all 16 weeks are fully government-paid, so any shared leave is fully reimbursed.

Non-citizen children

If the child is not a Singapore citizen, the family is not eligible for government-paid shared parental leave. Parents should check their employment contracts for any contractual parental leave provisions.

Frequently asked questions

Can shared parental leave be taken concurrently with the mother's leave?

Yes, shared parental leave can be taken at the same time as the mother takes her portion of parental leave, as long as both employers approve.

Does the mother have to transfer all 4 weeks?

No. The transfer of shared parental leave is flexible — the father can take anywhere from one week up to four weeks, subject to mutual agreement.

What happens if the mother is not eligible for Government-Paid Parental Leave?

If the mother does not qualify for Government-Paid Parental Leave, the father cannot claim shared parental leave. He may still be eligible for the 2 weeks of Government-Paid Paternity Leave if he meets the criteria.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.