2026 Public Holidays: Singapore Small Business Guide

For Singapore small business owners, the 2026 public holiday calendar is essential for managing payroll, staff schedules, and statutory compliance. Understanding these dates also helps with accounting services in Singapore and company secretarial planning, ensuring smooth operations throughout the year. This guide outlines all public holidays in 2026 and practical considerations for small business owners.

1. Public Holidays in Singapore for 2026

Singapore has 11 gazetted public holidays in 2026, including fixed-date observances and cultural celebrations. The full list is as follows:

Date Day Holiday
1 January Thursday New Year’s Day
17–18 February Tuesday–Wednesday Chinese New Year
21 March Saturday Hari Raya Puasa¹
3 April Friday Good Friday
1 May Friday Labour Day
27 May² Wednesday Hari Raya Haji
31 May Sunday (observed Monday 1 June) Vesak Day
9 August Sunday (observed Monday 10 August) National Day
8 November Sunday (observed Monday 9 November) Deepavali
25 December Friday Christmas Day

¹Dates may vary depending on moon sighting
²Projected according to the Islamic calendar

Key points for small business owners:

  • Use this calendar to plan payroll, staff leave, and company secretarial filings.

  • Cultural holidays may be confirmed closer to the date; stay informed through official announcements from MOM.

2. Long Weekends and Business Planning

Several holidays in 2026 naturally create long weekends, which can affect staff availability and operational planning.

Notable long weekends:

  • Good Friday: Friday 3 April → Sunday 5 April

  • Labour Day: Friday 1 May → Sunday 3 May

  • Vesak Day: Sunday 31 May (observed Monday 1 June)

  • National Day: Sunday 9 August (observed Monday 10 August)

  • Deepavali: Sunday 8 November (observed Monday 9 November)

  • Christmas Day: Friday 25 December → Sunday 27 December

Planning tips:

  • Schedule essential staff and adjust operational hours in advance.

  • Inform clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders of any changes.

  • Consider cash flow and deadlines when long weekends affect business activity.

✅ Still doing accounting the old way? Your competitors aren’t. Counto’s AI handles the boring stuff while experienced accountants ensure everything’s perfect. See the future of accounting here.

3. How Public Holiday Planning Benefits Singapore Small Businesses

Proper preparation around public holidays ensures compliance and smooth operations.

  • Payroll and Compliance

    • Schedule salary payments and statutory contributions to avoid delays.

  • Operational Efficiency

    • Ensure essential tasks are completed before extended holidays.

  • Cash Flow Management

    • Anticipate delays in client payments or vendor deliveries.

  • Strategic Planning Opportunities

    • Use quieter periods to prepare for upcoming tasks or internal planning.

Note: Staying organised with calendars, payroll schedules, and statutory filings helps small businesses meet obligations efficiently, especially when managing company secretarial tasks such as annual returns or director filings with ACRA.

Summary

For Singapore small business owners, understanding the 2026 public holiday calendar is crucial to ensuring that payroll and statutory obligations are met, planning staff schedules and maintaining operational continuity, preparing cash flow for slower periods, and taking advantage of quieter periods for planning and compliance activities. Careful preparation allows small businesses to stay compliant, maintain smooth operations, and make the most of long weekends throughout the year.

Your Next-Level Accounting Team: AI That Learns + Experts Who Care

Tired of Teaching Every New Accountant About Your Business? Traditional accounting services mean repeatedly explaining your business to new staff. Modern companies need systems that learn and remember—exactly what most accounting firms can’t deliver.

Counto’s intelligent accounting service adapts to your business. Our AI learns your specific patterns and transactions, then handles your daily bookkeeping automatically. Expert accountants review everything for accuracy, and your dedicated Customer Success Manager is always just a message or call away. No more repeated explanations, no more basic questions—just accounting that understands your business.

Join small businesses saving hours monthly on financial management with our outsourced accounting solution. Plus, with our AI handling the routine work, you’ll get better insights at a fraction of the cost of a full-time bookkeeper. Ready to upgrade your accounting? Chat with us now, email [email protected] or use our contact form.

 

Here are some articles you might find helpful:

Starting a Cleaning Service in Singapore

Foreigners Starting Employment Agency with Nominee Director Singapore

Cybersecurity Consultancy for Remote Work in Singapore

Select vs Comprehensive Licenses Employment Agencies Singapore

Launching an Employment Agency in Singapore

 

Share this post
Menu