Public holidays

Singapore's public holidays are gazetted days on which most employees are entitled to rest with full pay. 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 Ministry of Manpower (MOM) administers public holiday regulations under the Employment Act. The statutory framework requires employers to grant employees a paid day off on each gazetted public holiday, unless the employee is required to work, in which case they must receive a day off in lieu or additional compensation as prescribed by law.

Singapore's public holiday calendar is reviewed periodically and gazetted by the government. The 2024 calendar represents the current statutory list, though the specific dates may shift annually—particularly for lunar and Islamic calendar-based holidays, which vary year to year.

Employers must ensure payroll systems accurately reflect public holiday entitlements and correctly process payments for employees who work on these days. Staff required to work public holidays are entitled to either a replacement day off within a specified period or additional pay, depending on their employment contract and the Employment Act provisions. Payroll teams should maintain updated holiday calendars and communicate clearly with employees about public holiday schedules and any work requirements.