Taking care of a baby is no easy feat. Late nights, anxious worries, and moments of exhaustion are all part and parcel of being a parent. With being a father, comes moments of sacrifice, where you have to go off work to take care of your child. It is crucial to understand paternity leave granted in Singapore, to not cause unnecessary misunderstandings down the line, as well best utilise the benefits provided.
Eligibility
Working fathers are entitled to Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) if they meet the following requirements:
- Their child is a Singaporean citizen
- They are or had been lawfully married to the child’s mother between conception and birth, or within 12 months from their child’s date of birth, inclusive of date of birth
- For employees: they have served their employer for a continuous period of at least 3 months before the birth of their child
- For self-employed: they have been engaged in their work for a continuous period of at least 3 months before the birth for their child and have lost income during their paternity leave period
Benefits
If your child’s date of birth is on or after 1 April 2025, you are entitled to 4 weeks of GPPL. This can be taken in one continuous block, or can be distributed across 12 months from the granting of the GPPL.
Application process
For employees
- Notify your employer about your leave arrangement early
- Submit the declaration form (https://file.go.gov.sg/gppl1form.pdf) to your employer with all necessary supporting documents
- Apply for leave according to your employer’s procedures
For self-employed
- Record your leave dates
- Submit your claim online via the Government-Paid Leave Portal (https://www.profamilyleave.msf.gov.sg/login?redirect=eservices/submit-a-claim) within 3 months after your leave with all necessary supporting documents
Conclusion
Paternity leave is more than just time away from work. It is an opportunity for fathers to care for their child and support their partners during a stressful period of their lives. By understanding the eligibility rules, benefits, and application process, fathers can make full use of the leave provided without unnecessary stress or misunderstandings. If you require professional guidance in this regard, do contact the Advomi team, where we have a team of qualified lawyers to assist you in your operations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Please seek professional advice for your specific situation.
