Quick answer
In Singapore, your notice period is usually based on your employment contract. If your contract does not state a notice period, the required notice depends on your length of service. Notice period normally includes the day notice is given, weekends, rest days and public holidays.
What is notice period in Singapore?
Notice period is the period between the date you give resignation notice and your final day of employment. It matters because it affects your last working day, final salary, annual leave planning, CPF contribution during employment and when you can start your next job.
For resignation
Employees usually need to serve the required notice period after submitting resignation.
For final salary
Your final pay may include salary earned during notice, approved allowances and unused annual leave.
For early release
If you leave earlier than required, salary in lieu of notice may apply unless both parties agree otherwise.
If your employment contract states a notice period
If your contract says the notice period is 1 month, 2 weeks, 3 months or another period, you should follow the contract. The notice period should generally be the same for both employer and employee.
If your contract does not state a notice period
If your employment contract does not specify the required notice period, the notice period depends on your length of service.
| Length of Service | Minimum Notice Period | Simple Example |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 26 weeks | 1 day | If you resign today with 1 day notice, your last day may be today because the notice day is included. |
| 26 weeks to less than 2 years | 1 week | You normally serve 1 week before your employment ends. |
| 2 years to less than 5 years | 2 weeks | You normally serve 2 weeks before your employment ends. |
| 5 years or more | 4 weeks | You normally serve 4 weeks before your employment ends. |
How to count notice period in Singapore
The notice period includes the day when notice is given. It also includes rest days, non-working days and public holidays. This means the notice period is normally counted by calendar days, not only working days, unless your contract has a different specific arrangement.
1 month notice
If you resign on 15 July with 1 month notice, your last day is usually 14 August.
Weekends included
Weekends, public holidays and rest days inside the notice period are generally counted.
Contract matters
Check whether your employment contract has a special rule on counting notice days.
What is salary in lieu of notice?
Salary in lieu of notice means money paid instead of serving the required notice period. If you resign without serving the full notice, you may need to pay your employer the salary you would have earned during the unserved notice period.
| Situation | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Employee leaves immediately | The employee does not serve the full required notice. | Employee may need to pay salary in lieu for the unserved notice period. |
| Employer releases employee early | The employer does not require the employee to work through the full notice. | Treatment may depend on whether notice is waived or salary in lieu is payable. |
| Mutual agreement | Both employer and employee agree on an earlier last day. | The final treatment should be clearly recorded in writing. |
Is CPF payable during notice period?
If you are still employed and earning salary during your notice period, CPF contributions generally apply for CPF-eligible employees. However, CPF contribution is generally not required on salary in lieu of notice.
Salary during notice
If you are still employed and earning salary, CPF generally applies for CPF-eligible employees.
Salary in lieu
CPF is generally not required on salary in lieu of notice because it is compensation instead of salary earned.
Final CPF check
Separate actual salary earned during employment from compensation paid instead of serving notice.
Can you take annual leave during notice period?
You may clear annual leave during your notice period if your employer approves it. If you take approved annual leave during notice, you are still treated as an employee until the end of the notice period and you are usually paid for the full notice period.
Do not confuse these two
Taking approved annual leave during notice means you remain employed until the original last day. Offsetting notice with annual leave means your last day is brought forward by agreement.
Annual leave offset vs taking leave during notice
Offsetting notice period with annual leave is different from taking approved annual leave during notice. The final result can affect your last day of employment and final salary.
| Situation | Employment Status | Final Salary Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Taking approved annual leave during notice | You remain employed until the original last day. | You are usually paid for the full notice period. |
| Using annual leave to offset notice | Your last day may be brought forward by agreement. | The leave used for offset will usually not be paid separately. |
| Unused annual leave after resignation | Employment ends on the final agreed last day. | Unused leave may be paid out if applicable. |
What happens if you take sick leave during notice period?
If you are covered by the Employment Act and take paid or unpaid sick leave during the notice period, the sick leave is generally treated as part of the notice period. Your employer should not extend the notice period or claim short notice from you just because you were on sick leave.
Final salary after resignation
Your final salary may include your salary up to the last day of employment, approved allowances, overtime if applicable, and payment for unused annual leave if your employment is not terminated due to misconduct.
Salary up to last day
Check salary earned up to your final employment date, including any approved salary adjustments.
Unused annual leave
Check whether unused annual leave should be paid out based on your final salary and employment situation.
CPF and deductions
Check CPF, salary advances, unpaid leave, claims, allowances and other payroll deductions.
Want to estimate salary after CPF?
Use our Singapore salary calculator to estimate take-home pay after CPF and income tax.
Checklist before resigning
Before resigning, it is useful to check your notice period, expected last day, annual leave balance and final pay items so there are fewer surprises after you submit your resignation.
Check your contract
Confirm your required notice period and whether your company has special resignation procedures.
Check your last day
Count notice by calendar days unless your contract says otherwise, and ask HR to confirm in writing.
Check your leave balance
Confirm whether you will clear leave, offset notice, or receive payment for unused annual leave.
Common mistakes employees make
These are common resignation and notice period mistakes that can affect your last day, final salary or employer relationship.
Counting working days only
Notice period usually includes weekends, public holidays and non-working days.
Assuming leave offsets notice
Annual leave offset normally requires employer agreement. Do not assume it is automatic.
Leaving before notice ends
If you leave early without agreement, salary in lieu of notice may apply.
Related Singapore calculators
Use these tools to estimate salary, leave and final pay-related amounts.
Related Singapore salary guides
Learn more about CPF, salary, tax and employment rules in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the notice period in Singapore?
The notice period is usually stated in your employment contract. If the contract does not state a notice period, the required notice depends on your length of service.
Can I resign immediately in Singapore?
You may be able to leave immediately if your employer agrees to waive the notice period. Otherwise, you may need to pay salary in lieu of notice for the unserved notice period.
Does notice period include weekends and public holidays?
Yes. Notice period generally includes the day notice is given, rest days, non-working days and public holidays.
Can annual leave be used to offset notice period?
Annual leave can be used to offset notice period only if your employer agrees. This is different from taking approved annual leave while still serving your notice.
Do I get paid for unused annual leave after resignation?
If your employment ends except for termination due to misconduct, your employer generally has to pay for unused annual leave based on your last drawn salary.
Is CPF payable during notice period?
CPF is generally payable on salary earned while you are still employed during the notice period, for CPF-eligible employees. CPF is generally not required on salary in lieu of notice.
Can my employer ask me to leave earlier after I resign?
If your employer wants you to leave earlier than the required notice period, the final treatment may depend on whether notice is waived by mutual agreement or whether salary in lieu of notice is payable.
Can I start a new job while serving notice?
While serving notice, you are still considered an employee of your current employer. You should check your employment contract and confirm with your employer before starting a new job.
What should I write in a resignation email?
A resignation email should state your intention to resign, your resignation date, your notice period and your expected last day of employment. Ask your employer to acknowledge the resignation in writing.
Is this notice period guide legal advice?
No. This guide is for general salary and employment planning only. Always check your employment contract, company policy, MOM guidance or seek professional advice for disputes.