KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Singapore will raise the statutory retirement age to 65 and re-employment age to 70 from July 2026
- The change affects CPF contributions, re-employment rights, and retirement income planning
- Workers and employers should review CPF strategies, contracts, and workforce plans before 2026
Singapore will raise its statutory retirement age in 2026 as part of a long-term workforce and retirement strategy. The change has direct implications for employment rights, CPF payouts, and financial planning.
Singapore Retirement Age Increase 2026
| Year | Retirement Age | Re-employment Age |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63 | 68 |
| 2024 | 64 | 69 |
| 2026 | 65 | 70 |
| 2030 (Target) | 65 | 70 |
From 1 July 2026, employers must retire employees no earlier than 65 and offer re-employment up to 70, subject to eligibility.
What Retirement Age and Re-employment Age Mean
Retirement age is the earliest age an employer may retire an employee.
Re-employment age is the age up to which employers must offer continued employment if the worker is medically fit and meets performance standards.
Even after retirement at 65, eligible employees have the right to re-employment until 70 under the Retirement and Re-employment Act, overseen by the Ministry of Manpower.
Why Singapore Is Raising the Retirement Age
Longer Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy now exceeds 83 years, increasing the need for sustained income over a longer retirement period.
CPF Adequacy
Longer working lives allow:
- Additional CPF contributions
- Higher CPF LIFE monthly payouts
- Lower risk of outliving savings
CPF policies are administered by the Central Provident Fund.
Workforce Stability
Retaining experienced workers helps address labour shortages and supports skills transfer to younger employees.
Impact on CPF Contributions and Payouts
CPF Contributions Beyond 65
Employees who continue working after 65 will:
- Keep contributing to CPF at age-based rates
- Build larger balances in Retirement and Special Accounts
- Improve projected CPF LIFE payouts
CPF LIFE Monthly Income
Delaying payout commencement while working longer can raise lifelong monthly income, particularly relevant for earners in the S$4,000–S$8,000 range.
What Employers in Singapore Need to Prepare For
Mandatory Re-employment
Employers must:
- Offer re-employment up to 70
- Provide fair and reasonable terms
- Pay Employment Assistance Payment if re-employment is not feasible
Contract and Role Adjustments
Re-employment may include:
- Adjusted job scope
- Flexible hours
- Revised remuneration aligned with responsibilities
HR compliance and workforce planning will be critical, especially for SMEs.
Financial Planning Considerations for Singaporeans Aged 40+
Review Retirement Timelines
Reassess:
- Target retirement age
- CPF drawdown strategy
- Cash flow needs beyond 65
Investments and Savings
A longer career runway supports:
- Longer-term investment strategies
- Use of Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
- More time to manage market risk
Insurance and Healthcare
Extended employment may provide longer employer coverage, but individuals should still review Integrated Shield Plans and long-term care protection.
Will This Affect Younger Workers?
The government’s position is that age-diverse teams strengthen productivity. Older workers provide experience and mentoring, while economic growth continues to create opportunities across age groups.
Why This Matters
This change is a clear policy signal. Singaporeans are expected to plan for longer working lives and later income drawdown. Those who act early can strengthen retirement adequacy through higher CPF balances, steadier cash flow, and better healthcare coverage. Waiting until the late 50s limits options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the retirement age rise again after 2026?
The current target is 65/70 by 2030. Future changes will depend on demographics and economic conditions.
Can I retire earlier than 65?
Yes. The statutory age sets employer obligations, not personal choice.
Does this change CPF withdrawal rules?
No. CPF withdrawal ages are governed separately, though continued work can raise payouts.
Must employers keep me until 70?
They must offer re-employment up to 70 if eligibility criteria are met, or provide Employment Assistance Payment.
What about self-employed Singaporeans?
Retirement age laws do not apply, but CPF and retirement planning remain important.
What You Should Do Now
- Aged 40–55: Update CPF projections, insurance coverage, and investment plans
- Aged 55–65: Consider continued employment to raise CPF LIFE payouts
- Employers: Review HR policies, contracts, and re-employment processes
[Link to Official Source – Apply Here]
Conclusion
Raising the retirement age in 2026 reflects Singapore’s response to longer lifespans and workforce needs. With early planning across CPF, investments, and healthcare, a longer working life can support stronger retirement security rather than create uncertainty.
Sources (Official Singapore Government Websites)
- Ministry of Manpower – Retirement and Re-employment Act
https://www.mom.gov.sg - Central Provident Fund Board – CPF LIFE and retirement planning
https://www.cpf.gov.sg - Singapore Government – Ageing workforce policies
https://www.gov.sg