Quick answer
In Singapore, eligible working parents of Singapore citizen children below 7 years old can receive 6 days of paid childcare leave per year. If the child is not a Singapore citizen, eligible employees may receive 2 days of childcare leave per year under the Employment Act.
What is childcare leave in Singapore?
Childcare leave gives eligible working parents paid time off to care for young children. It can be used for practical childcare needs such as school matters, medical appointments, family care arrangements and other child-related responsibilities.
For Singapore citizen child
Eligible parents may receive 6 days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave per year if the child is below 7.
For non-citizen child
Eligible employees may receive 2 days of childcare leave per year under the Employment Act.
For both parents
Each eligible parent can receive their own childcare leave entitlement, subject to official conditions.
Childcare leave entitlement summary
The table below summarises the common childcare leave entitlement in Singapore. Actual entitlement may differ depending on child citizenship, child age, service period, leave year and employment status.
| Situation | Common Entitlement | Main Conditions | General Pay Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child is a Singapore citizen and below 7 | 6 days per year | Parent has worked for employer or been self-employed for at least 3 continuous months | First 3 days paid by employer; remaining 3 days reimbursed by government, subject to cap |
| Child is not a Singapore citizen and below 7 | 2 days per year | Employee has worked for employer for at least 3 continuous months | Paid by employer |
| Youngest Singapore citizen child is between 7 and 12 | May qualify for 2 days extended childcare leave | Check extended childcare leave rules | Usually government-paid subject to official rules |
| Service period below 3 months | May not qualify for statutory childcare leave | Minimum service condition is important | Check employment contract and company policy |
Who qualifies for 6 days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave?
Government-Paid Childcare Leave generally applies when the parent has a Singapore citizen child below 7 years old and satisfies the minimum work or self-employment requirement.
Child below 7
The child must be below 7 years old for the parent to qualify for ordinary childcare leave.
Singapore citizen child
The child must be a Singapore citizen for the parent to qualify for 6 days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave.
3 months of service
Employees generally need to have served the employer for at least 3 continuous months. Self-employed parents need to meet the work and income-loss conditions.
How 6 days of childcare leave pay works
For Government-Paid Childcare Leave, the payment is shared between the employer and the government. Employees normally receive paid leave, while employers may claim reimbursement for the government-paid portion.
| Leave Days | Who Pays | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| First 3 days | Employer | Paid by the employer at the employee’s gross rate of pay. |
| Remaining 3 days | Government reimbursement to employer | The government reimburses the employer, subject to the official daily cap and claim rules. |
| Total yearly entitlement | 6 days per eligible parent | Each eligible parent can receive 6 days per year until the relevant age limit. |
Who qualifies for 2 days of childcare leave?
If the child is not a Singapore citizen, eligible employees may still qualify for 2 days of childcare leave under the Employment Act if they meet the relevant conditions.
Child below 7
The child, including a legally adopted child or step-child, must generally be below 7 years old.
3 months of service
The employee must usually have worked for the employer for a continuous period of at least 3 months.
Paid by employer
The 2 days of childcare leave under the Employment Act are generally paid by the employer.
Childcare leave caps and carry forward rules
Childcare leave is meant to be used within the relevant leave year. It is not normally carried forward to the next year. There are also lifetime caps for each child depending on the childcare leave route.
| Type of Leave | Yearly Entitlement | Total Cap | Carry Forward? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government-Paid Childcare Leave | 6 days per year | 42 days for each child | Cannot be carried forward to the next leave year |
| Employment Act childcare leave | 2 days per year | 14 days for each child | Cannot be carried forward to the next leave year |
| Company-provided extra leave | Depends on employer policy | Depends on employment contract or staff handbook | Depends on employer policy |
Childcare leave examples
These simple examples show how childcare leave entitlement may apply in common situations. They are for general understanding only.
Example 1: Singapore citizen child
A parent has worked for the employer for 1 year and has a Singapore citizen child aged 4. The parent may qualify for 6 days of Government-Paid Childcare Leave for that year.
Example 2: Non-citizen child
A parent has worked for the employer for more than 3 months and has a non-citizen child aged 5. The parent may qualify for 2 days of childcare leave under the Employment Act.
Example 3: Multiple children
A parent has two Singapore citizen children below 7. The parent generally still receives 6 days per year, not 6 days for each child.
Does childcare leave affect salary?
Childcare leave is generally paid leave if the employee is eligible. However, the payment source and reimbursement treatment may differ depending on whether the leave is Government-Paid Childcare Leave or Employment Act childcare leave.
| Item | Possible Effect | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly salary | Usually continues for approved paid childcare leave | Check payroll timing if childcare leave is taken across payroll cut-off dates. |
| CPF | May apply to paid leave salary | CPF treatment depends on CPF rules and payment nature. |
| Allowances | Depends on contract and company policy | Attendance-based or shift-based allowances may be treated differently. |
| Leave balance | Childcare leave is separate from annual leave | Do not mix childcare leave with annual leave unless company policy requires a different arrangement. |
Need to estimate your take-home salary?
Use our Singapore salary calculator to estimate monthly take-home pay after CPF and income tax.
Childcare leave planning checklist
Parents should plan childcare leave early, especially when leave is needed for school closure, medical appointments or family care.
Check child citizenship
Confirm whether your entitlement is based on Singapore citizen child rules or Employment Act childcare leave.
Check child age
Ordinary childcare leave generally applies when the child is below 7 years old.
Check service period
Confirm whether you have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months.
Apply early
Submit your childcare leave request early so your employer can plan manpower and work coverage.
Track leave balance
Keep track of how many childcare leave days you have used during the current leave year.
Check company policy
Some employers may provide additional family care benefits beyond the statutory minimum.
Employer obligations and HR considerations
Employers should handle childcare leave properly because it affects payroll, leave records, government claims and employee family-care rights.
Payroll accuracy
HR teams should confirm whether the childcare leave is employer-paid or government-reimbursable.
Proper records
Employers should keep records of leave applications, approvals, leave dates and claim documents.
Claim management
Government-Paid Childcare Leave claims should be submitted according to official portal requirements.
Common childcare leave mistakes
These are common mistakes employees and employers should avoid when planning childcare leave.
| Mistake | Why It Matters | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming every parent gets 6 days | The 6-day entitlement depends on having a Singapore citizen child and meeting conditions. | Check whether the case qualifies for GPCL or 2 days Employment Act leave. |
| Assuming more children means more days | Childcare leave is generally capped per parent per year, not multiplied by each child. | Check the yearly entitlement and total cap carefully. |
| Not using leave before year-end | Childcare leave generally cannot be carried forward. | Plan leave before the current leave year ends. |
| Ignoring reimbursement rules | Employers may need to claim the government-paid portion through the official portal. | Keep proper documents and check the Government-Paid Leave Portal. |
Why trust this childcare leave guide?
SG Salary Tools explains Singapore salary, CPF, tax and employment topics in a simple way for employees, job seekers, HR users and employers. This guide is not official legal advice, but it helps users understand key childcare leave concepts before checking official sources.
Simple breakdown
We separate 6 days GPCL, 2 days childcare leave, eligibility, pay and leave planning into clear sections.
Built for Singapore
This guide focuses on Singapore childcare leave rules and family-care employment planning questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of childcare leave do parents get in Singapore?
Eligible working parents of Singapore citizen children below 7 can receive 6 days of paid childcare leave per year. Parents of non-citizen children may receive 2 days per year under the Employment Act.
Who qualifies for 6 days of childcare leave?
The child must be below 7 years old and a Singapore citizen. Employees generally need at least 3 continuous months of service, while self-employed parents must meet the official work and income-loss conditions.
Who pays for childcare leave in Singapore?
For Government-Paid Childcare Leave, the first 3 days are paid by the employer and the remaining 3 days are reimbursed by the government, subject to official caps and claim rules. For 2 days Employment Act childcare leave, the employer pays.
Can childcare leave be carried forward?
No. Childcare leave meant for one leave year generally cannot be carried forward to the next year.
Do I get more childcare leave if I have more children?
Generally no. Childcare leave is usually based on the yearly entitlement per eligible parent, regardless of the number of qualifying children.
What if my child is not a Singapore citizen?
If your child is not a Singapore citizen, you may still qualify for 2 days of childcare leave per year under the Employment Act if your child is below 7 and you meet the service requirement.
Can self-employed parents get childcare leave?
Self-employed parents may qualify for Government-Paid Childcare Leave if they meet the official conditions, including being engaged in work for at least 3 continuous months and losing income during the leave period.
Is childcare leave separate from annual leave?
Yes. Childcare leave is generally a separate statutory leave entitlement from annual leave.
Can an employer reject childcare leave?
Employers and employees should arrange childcare leave reasonably based on work needs and statutory entitlement. For disputes or special situations, check MOM guidance.
Is this childcare leave guide official?
No. SG Salary Tools provides general information and planning guidance only. For official childcare leave rules, check MOM and the Government-Paid Leave Portal.