What Is Singapore’s Retirement Age?

The short answer

Singapore sets a statutory minimum retirement age, below which employers generally cannot dismiss employees simply because of age, and a higher re-employment age, up to which eligible older workers can request to continue working. In recent years the retirement age has stood at 63 and the re-employment age at 68, under a policy of raising both over time.

Crucially, these figures are being progressively increased on a planned schedule towards higher targets later this decade. Because of that, you should confirm the current ages with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rather than assuming a fixed number, as they are designed to change.

Retirement age versus re-employment age

Two distinct ages matter here. The statutory retirement age is the minimum age up to which an employer generally cannot dismiss an employee on account of age. The re-employment age is higher, and up to it, eligible employees who wish to keep working can be offered re-employment.

So the framework is not a single cut-off but a two-stage protection: you cannot be retired below the retirement age, and beyond it, re-employment provisions can carry eligible workers further. Understanding both is key to understanding Singapore’s approach.

The current framework

Concept	In broad terms
Statutory retirement age	Recently 63; being raised over time
Re-employment age	Recently 68; being raised over time
Long-term direction	Both rising towards higher targets this decade
Authoritative source	The Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Treat these as the shape of the policy rather than permanent figures. The exact ages in force at any given time, and the schedule of increases, are set out by MOM, which is the definitive source to check.

Why the ages are rising

The retirement and re-employment ages are being raised as part of a deliberate policy to support longer working lives, reflecting longer life expectancy and the value of keeping experienced older workers in the workforce. The increases are phased in gradually rather than all at once.

This is why any single figure is a snapshot rather than a fixed rule. The direction of travel is clearly upward, so an age that is current now may be higher in a few years under the announced schedule.

What it means for older workers

For employees, the framework offers protection: you generally cannot be dismissed purely because of age below the retirement age, and if you are eligible and wish to continue, re-employment provisions can allow you to keep working beyond it up to the re-employment age. This supports those who want or need to work longer.

It does not force anyone to work longer; it protects the option to do so. Workers who prefer to retire earlier remain free to, subject to their own circumstances and any savings arrangements.

How it connects to PR and CPF

For permanent residents, the same employment framework generally applies, and retirement age also connects to the national savings scheme, under which contribution rates and withdrawal arrangements are tied to age. So retirement age is relevant not just to when you can be asked to stop working but to your longer-term financial planning.

If you are a PR planning around retirement, it is worth understanding both the employment ages and the savings-scheme rules together, since they interact. As always, confirm the current specifics through the official sources.

Where to confirm the current ages

Because the retirement and re-employment ages are on a planned upward schedule, the reliable course is to check the current figures with the Ministry of Manpower rather than relying on a number that may have since changed. This is especially important if you are making decisions that depend on the exact age.

Treat this guide as an explanation of how the framework works, not as a statement of the precise ages in force today. For anything consequential, MOM is the authoritative and up-to-date source.

Planning your own retirement

Because the statutory ages protect the option to keep working rather than dictate when you must stop, your own retirement is ultimately a personal decision shaped by your finances, health, and preferences. The framework sets the boundaries within which employers must act, not a mandate for you.

So use the retirement and re-employment ages as context for your rights at work, and plan your actual retirement around your own savings and circumstances. For PRs especially, aligning this with the national savings scheme rules helps you plan realistically.

Common misconceptions

What people get wrong

That there is one fixed retirement age. There are two ages, retirement and re-employment, and both are rising.
That the retirement age forces you to stop working. It is a minimum below which you generally cannot be dismissed for age.
That the figures never change. They are being progressively raised on a planned schedule.
That PR status changes the framework. The same employment ages generally apply, and they link to the savings scheme.

Clearing these up gives an accurate picture of a framework that is deliberately evolving rather than fixed.

The bottom line on Singapore's retirement age

To sum up: Singapore has a statutory retirement age, recently 63, below which employers generally cannot dismiss employees for age, and a higher re-employment age, recently 68, up to which eligible workers can keep working. Both are being progressively raised towards higher targets this decade.

Because the figures change on a planned schedule, confirm the current ages with the Ministry of Manpower rather than treating any number as permanent. For PRs, the same framework applies and connects to the national savings scheme, so consider both together in your long-term planning.

For the fuller picture, see our guides to Singapore Permanent Residence eligibility and Singapore Permanent Residence application process.

Frequently asked questions

What is Singapore's retirement age?

There is a statutory retirement age, recently 63, below which employers generally cannot dismiss employees for age, and a higher re-employment age, recently 68. Both are being progressively raised, so confirm current figures with MOM.

What is the difference between retirement and re-employment age?

The retirement age is the minimum up to which you generally cannot be dismissed for age. The re-employment age is higher, and up to it, eligible workers who wish to continue can be offered re-employment.

Are the retirement ages changing?

Yes. Both the retirement and re-employment ages are being progressively raised on a planned schedule towards higher targets this decade, so any single figure is a snapshot rather than fixed.

Does the retirement age force me to stop working?

No. It is a minimum below which you generally cannot be dismissed purely for age. Re-employment provisions can let eligible workers continue beyond it, but no one is forced to work longer.

Does retirement age apply to PRs?

Generally yes, the same employment framework applies, and retirement age also connects to the national savings scheme rules. Confirm current specifics through the official sources.