At some point in your career, annual leave just isn’t enough. You might feel exhausted, need to care for family, or just want room to recharge without walking away from the job you’ve built. That’s when the question starts to pop, can you take a sabbatical leave in Singapore without resigning?
The answer is yes, you can, but it isn’t guaranteed or protected by law. In Singapore, sabbatical leave falls outside statutory leave laws, which means it works very differently from yearly time off, sick leave, or childcare leave.
How Sabbatical Leave Works in Singapore
Sabbatical leave in Singapore works as an agreement between two parties, not a legal entitlement. The Employment Act does not regulate sabbaticals, but it allows employers and employees to agree on extended periods of paid or unpaid leave.
In real life, this means employees can take time off work for a while without quitting their job as long as the employer says yes and both sides agree on the terms.
The key thing here is the goal. A sabbatical should be short-term, and everyone expects the employee to come back after a set time. This makes it different from quitting or taking a break from your career.
| Type of Sabbatical | Common in Singapore? | Salary During Leave |
| Unpaid sabbatical | Very common | No salary paid |
| Partially paid | Sometimes | Reduced pay |
| Fully paid | Rare | Full salary continues |
Do You Need to Quit Your Job to Take a Sabbatical?
No. As long as your employer approves the sabbatical formally, you remain employed.
When you set up a sabbatical, you stay employed. You’re still on the payroll even though you’re not working during that time. But this works if you get it in writing. If you stop showing up without written approval, your employer might see it as unauthorized leave or abandonment of employment.
This is why in Singapore, you always go through HR or leave management to get a sabbatical, not just by word of mouth.
Do Companies Pay for Sabbatical Leave?
In most Singapore companies, employees don’t get paid for sabbatical leave. This means they won’t receive their monthly salary while they’re away. Some employers might give partial pay or allowances, but this isn’t common.
Employees should clarify whether the following apply during the sabbatical:
- Salary payments
- CPF contributions
- Annual leave accrual
- Bonus or variable pay eligibility
- Insurance and benefits coverage
These details should always be confirmed before the sabbatical begins.
How Long Can a Sabbatical Last?
Singapore doesn’t set legal limits on how long sabbaticals can last. Practically though, companies approve breaks that last one to six months. People often take shorter breaks to rest or handle personal stuff, while longer ones might get the green light for taking care of family or studying.
When sabbaticals get longer, employers are more likely to ask for detailed plans about handing over work and covering duties.
| Duration | Common Usage |
| 1–2 months | Short career break |
| 3–6 months | Common sabbatical length |
| 6–12 months | Long sabbatical (less common) |
Why Employers Say Yes to Sabbatical Leave
Even though sabbaticals are optional, companies often say yes to them — when the other choice is quitting. Many businesses now see that giving a valued employee some time off can be better than losing them for good.
People get the green light for sabbaticals to recover from burnout, take care of family, personal development, or deal with big life changes. In most cases, planning matters more than the reason. Employers focus on workload coverage, return timelines, and business continuity.
In Summary
Yes, you can take sabbatical leave in Singapore and keep your job, but only with employer approval. Sabbaticals are policy-driven, not law-driven, and success depends on clarity, planning, and documentation.
A well-structured sabbatical can preserve careers, reduce burnout, and strengthen long-term retention. A poorly defined one can lead to confusion and disputes. The difference lies in clear expectations on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is sabbatical leave legal in Singapore?
Yes, but it is not regulated under the Employment Act. It is offered at employer discretion.
Do I get paid on sabbatical leave?
Usually no. Most sabbaticals in Singapore are unpaid unless stated otherwise.
What is another name for sabbatical leave?
It may also be called extended leave, career break, or long-service leave.
What is the difference between leave and sabbatical?
Leave is short-term and statutory; sabbatical is long-term and discretionary.
