Key takeaways
- Employees covered by the Employment Act get 11 paid public holidays a year.
- Working on a public holiday earns an extra day's basic salary, or another day off by agreement.
- If a holiday falls on a rest day, the next working day is a paid holiday. If it falls on a non-working day, give a day off or a day's pay.
- Staff absent without a good reason on the working day before or after a holiday can lose holiday pay.
Who gets paid public holidays
All employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year. Employees not covered by the Act, such as civil servants, follow their own terms. In 2026 there are 10 gazetted holidays covering 11 days, because Chinese New Year has two.
Public holidays that moved in 2026
Three 2026 holidays fell on a Sunday, so the following Monday became the holiday for staff whose rest day is Sunday:
| Holiday | Falls on | Holiday observed |
|---|---|---|
| Vesak Day | Sunday 31 May | Monday 1 June |
| National Day | Sunday 9 August | Monday 10 August |
| Deepavali | Sunday 8 November | Monday 9 November |
Source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
If an employee works on a public holiday
The employee is entitled to an extra day's salary at the basic rate, on top of their normal pay for the day. Hours beyond normal daily hours are paid as overtime if they're covered by Part 4.
By mutual agreement, the extra day's salary can be replaced with:
- another day off in place of the public holiday; or
- time off in lieu, for employees not covered by Part 4.
If a holiday falls on a rest day or non-working day
| Holiday falls on | What the employee gets |
|---|---|
| Their rest day (often Sunday) | The following working day is a paid public holiday |
| A non-working day (e.g. Saturday on a 5-day week) | Another day off, or one extra day's salary |
Source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Time off in lieu
For employees not covered by Part 4, the employer and employee should agree how much time off is given for working on a public holiday. If they can't agree, the employer can pay an extra day's basic salary, or give time off as follows:
- worked 4 hours or less: 4 hours off;
- worked more than 4 hours: a full day off.
Swapping a public holiday
An employer and employee can mutually agree to swap a public holiday for another working day. It's best to record the agreement in writing.
When holiday pay can be withheld
- If an employee is absent without consent or a reasonable excuse on the working day immediately before or after a public holiday, they lose pay for the holiday, and the employer may deduct one day's gross pay.
- No holiday pay is due if the holiday falls during approved unpaid leave.
HRKaki Payroll
HRKaki applies the public holiday calendar to leave and payroll, and pays holiday work and overtime correctly.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays are there in Singapore?
Employees covered by the Employment Act get 11 paid public holidays a year. In 2026 there are 10 gazetted holidays covering 11 days.
What do I pay an employee who works on a public holiday?
An extra day's salary at the basic rate, plus overtime for hours beyond normal hours if they are covered by Part 4. By agreement, you can give another day off instead.
What if a public holiday falls on a Saturday?
If Saturday is a non-working day, give the employee another day off or an extra day's salary.
Can I give time off in lieu instead of pay?
Yes, by mutual agreement. For employees not covered by Part 4, if there's no agreement, give 4 hours off for up to 4 hours worked, or a full day off for more.
Sources
Information sourced from
Figures and rules in this article come from the official sources listed below, checked on 13 October 2026. Avelogic is not affiliated with these agencies. For the authoritative and latest position, refer to the agency directly.
- MOM: Public holidays entitlement and pay
- MOM: Public holidays for 2026
- MOM: Hours of work, overtime and rest days
This guide is general information based on official sources at the date shown, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check the CPF Board, IRAS, MOM or MOE for the latest position.