Hong Kong vs Singapore | Statutory Holidays 2026
A practical comparison of Hong Kong statutory holidays and Singapore gazetted public holidays in 2026, including substitute holidays and working on a public holiday.
Hong Kong Labour Department lists 15 statutory holidays for 2026, while Singapore MOM lists 11 gazetted public holidays. The number of holidays, substitute-day rules and pay for working on a holiday differ, so the applicable position must be checked against employment status, contract terms and current official guidance.
Hong Kong: 15 statutory holidays in 2026
Hong Kong Labour Department lists 15 statutory holidays for 2026, including Easter Monday as a newly added statutory holiday from 2026. Where a statutory holiday falls on a rest day, the employer must arrange the applicable following day or another permitted holiday arrangement. Eligible employees under a continuous contract for at least three months may be entitled to holiday pay.
The list includes New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year holidays, Ching Ming Festival, Easter Monday, Labour Day, the Birthday of the Buddha, Tuen Ng Festival, HKSAR Establishment Day, the day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Chung Yeung Festival, the Winter Solstice or Christmas Day and the first weekday after Christmas Day.
Singapore: 11 gazetted public holidays in 2026
Singapore MOM lists 11 gazetted public holidays for 2026, including New Year’s Day, two Chinese New Year holidays, Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, Labour Day, Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day, National Day, Deepavali and Christmas Day.
Where a public holiday falls on a Sunday, MOM’s 2026 notice specifies the following Monday as a public holiday for the listed dates. Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays, and employers and employees may agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day where permitted.
Comparison
| Point | Hong Kong | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 holiday count | 15 statutory holidays | 11 gazetted public holidays |
| Holiday on rest day / Sunday | Following or substitute holiday under applicable Hong Kong rules | MOM notice specifies following public holidays for listed Sunday holidays |
| Holiday pay | Eligible continuous-contract employees may receive holiday pay | Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to paid public holidays |
| Working on a holiday | Pay and time-off arrangements depend on applicable law and contract | Generally basic pay for the holiday plus the gross rate for that day; some groups may receive time off in lieu under the rules |
What to note
Holiday counts alone do not show which system is more favourable. Hong Kong “statutory holidays” and Singapore “gazetted public holidays” are different legal concepts with different coverage and pay conditions. Shift workers, part-time workers, short-term contract workers, foreign employees and managers may also have different applicable rules.
Practical reminders for employers and jobseekers
Employers
- Confirm workplace, employment status, contract and applicable law.
- Check 2026 dates, substitute holidays, rosters and wage records in advance.
- Explain holiday-work pay, time off and transport arrangements before issuing the roster.
Jobseekers
- Confirm whether holiday work is required, how pay is calculated and when it is paid.
- Keep contracts, rosters, attendance and payroll records, and seek official or professional advice when needed.
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Sources and disclaimer
General information only; not legal, tax or employment compliance advice. Last amendment date of the source legislation: pending confirmation. Employment Agency Licence No. 82734.