Singapore Adoption Leave: What You Need to Know
Adoption is a meaningful journey, and in Singapore, adoptive mothers are supported with structured leave to bond with their child.
What is Adoption Leave?
Eligible adoptive mothers — including those who are self-employed — are entitled to 12 weeks of paid adoption leave. This allows time to care for and build a connection with their adopted infant.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for adoption leave, the following conditions must be met:
- The adopted child must be below 12 months old at the point of formal intent to adopt.
- Formal intent to adopt occurs:
- For a local child: when the court application to adopt is filed
- For a foreign child: when in-principle approval for a Dependant’s Pass is granted
- Formal intent to adopt occurs:
- The adopted child must be a Singapore citizen.
- If the child is a foreigner:
- At least one adoptive parent must be a Singapore citizen
- The child must become a Singapore citizen within 6 months
- Employees must have worked continuously for the employer for at least 3 months before the date of formal intent to adopt.
- Self-employed individuals must have been engaged in work for at least 3 months and experienced income loss during the leave period.
- The adoption order must be passed within 1 year from the formal intent to adopt.
What Are You Entitled To?
For 1st and 2nd child:
- Employer pays for the first 4 weeks (based on gross pay)
- Government covers weeks 5 to 12, capped at:
- $10,000 per 4 weeks
- $20,000 total per child
For 3rd child onwards:
- Government covers all 12 weeks, capped at:
- $10,000 per 4 weeks
- $30,000 total per child
Government Reimbursement/ payment is capped at a daily rate of:
SGD 10,000/ (4 x working days a week)
Contact Us
Adoption leave ensures that adoptive mothers have the necessary time and support to welcome their child into the family.
Have questions about adoption leave or other HR matters? We’re here to help — get in touch with us.
