Public holidays

Singapore's public holidays are gazetted days on which most employees are entitled to paid leave. As of 2024, Singapore observes ten public holidays: New Year's Day, Chinese New Year (two days), Good Friday, Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), Labour Day, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha), National Day, Deepavali (Diwali), and Christmas Day. These holidays reflect Singapore's multicultural society and include observances from Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and Chinese traditions alongside civic commemorations.

The Employment Act and the Public Holidays Act, administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), establish the statutory framework governing public holidays in Singapore. The MOM publishes the official public holiday calendar annually, which employers must reference to ensure compliance.

Employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to payment at ordinary rates plus an additional day's pay in lieu, or an alternative day off with full pay, at the employer's discretion. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday in lieu. For employees on shift work or those in essential services, the MOM provides specific guidance on how public holiday entitlements apply.

Employers must ensure payroll systems accurately reflect public holiday payments and maintain records of any alternative days granted. Failure to provide statutory public holiday entitlements constitutes a breach of employment law and may result in penalties. Payroll teams should verify the current year's gazetted public holiday dates on the MOM website before processing monthly or annual payroll cycles, as the calendar may vary slightly year to year.