Shared Parental Leave Increases in Singapore: What Every Working Parent Should Know

In a progressive move to support families and encourage fathers to take a more active role in caregiving, Singapore has officially increases its Shared Parental Leave (SPL) scheme to six weeks starting April 1, 2025. The government has also announced plans to increase this to ten weeks by April 2026.

This change reflects the nation's growing emphasis on co-parenting and work-life balance, particularly as Singapore faces declining fertility rates and an aging population. But what exactly does this change mean for families? Let’s break it down.

What is Shared Parental Leave (SPL)?

Shared Parental Leave allows working fathers to receive additional paid leave from their spouse's maternity or adoption leave quota. Under the revised scheme:

Parents of Singapore Citizen children born or adopted on or after April 1, 2025, can share up to 6 weeks of leave.
Starting April 1, 2026, this will increase to 10 weeks.
The leave must be taken within 12 months of the child’s birth or adoption.
Parents must agree on the amount of leave to be shared and inform their employers in advance.

The government will reimburse employers for this leave as part of the Government-Paid Shared Parental Leave program.

Why This Matters for Singapore Families

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), many fathers want to be more involved during their child’s early development — but workplace expectations and short paternity leave periods have been a barrier. This enhancement gives fathers more time to bond with their child and support their partner post-delivery.

How to Apply for SPL?

Confirm eligibility: You must be legally married and employed, and your child must be a Singapore Citizen.
Discuss with your employer: Plan the duration and dates of SPL to fit team schedules.
Submit a request through your company: Employers will process it and submit claims to the government portal afterward.

You can find more application details on https://go.gov.sg/sharedparentalleave

Tips for Maximising Your Leave

Plan leave around key milestones: Like baby’s first vaccinations or after confinement.
Combine leave with public holidays: To extend bonding time without using up more leave days.
Split the weeks: You don’t have to take the leave all at once — you can spread it out.

Looking Ahead

The doubling of SPL reflects broader national strategies — including the $7 billion marriage and parenthood budget announced for FY2026. It’s a message that families are valued, and that both mothers and fathers deserve time to nurture their newborns.

As more fathers take advantage of this policy, Singapore may soon see cultural shifts in parenting roles, workplace support, and ultimately — happier, healthier families.