Employment contract template for Singapore
Hiring in Singapore? FD AI asks plain-English questions and drafts an employment contract under Singapore law from Founders Doc's own wording — a Singapore law practice for founders.
In FD AI: Choose Singapore as the place the employee works.
What this employment contract covers
- Type of role
- A regular employee or a senior manager, so the protections that apply to each are handled correctly.
- Permanent or fixed-term
- An open-ended job, or one that ends on a set date.
- Probation and notice
- A probation period such as three or six months, and how much notice each side gives, during and after probation.
- Misconduct
- A standard list of reasons for dismissal without notice, or your own list, which FD AI words clearly.
- Restrictions after leaving
- Optional limits on competing, approaching clients or hiring away staff, for a period you choose.
- Confidentiality and IP
- How long the duty of confidence lasts, and whether the company owns all work or only work-related creations.
- Outside work and privacy
- Whether the employee may work elsewhere, and an optional clause on handling their personal data.
- Disputes
- Local courts or private arbitration.
Singapore employment points to know
- Who the Employment Act covers
- Since April 2019 the Employment Act covers most employees, including managers and executives, whatever their salary. Some extra protections on hours and overtime (Part IV) apply only to lower-paid staff.
- Key employment terms in writing
- Most employees covered by the Act must get their key employment terms (KETs) in writing within 14 days of starting. A full written contract is the simplest way to do this.
- What to include
- The job, pay and when it is paid, working hours, place of work, probation, leave, sick leave, benefits, confidentiality, IP and notice.
- Notice
- Each side gives the notice the contract sets. If the contract is silent, the Employment Act sets a minimum that grows with length of service.
- CPF
- Employers pay CPF contributions for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Employees on work passes do not have CPF, but other duties may apply.
- Non-competes
- A restriction on working for a competitor after leaving is only enforced if it is reasonable in length, area and scope and protects a real business interest.
How it works
- Answer a few questionsPlain English, one at a time. Skip anything you are unsure of.
- FD AI drafts your employment contractFrom Founders Doc's own lawyer-written wording, shaped around your answers.
- Check, edit and downloadChange any wording, ask FD AI to explain a clause, then download it as Word.
Common questions
Do I have to give a written employment contract in Singapore?
A contract can be agreed verbally, but most employees covered by the Employment Act must receive their key employment terms in writing within 14 days of starting. Putting everything in one written contract is simplest.
Does the Employment Act cover managers and executives?
Yes. Since April 2019 it covers almost all employees, whatever their salary. Some extra protections on hours and overtime apply only to lower-paid staff.
Do I pay CPF for every employee?
Only for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Foreign employees on work passes do not get CPF, though other duties may apply to their employer.
Will a non-compete hold up in Singapore?
Only if it is reasonable: a short period, a limited area and only the business you actually compete in. FD AI lets you choose a period and flags the risk of going too wide.
Do I need a written employment contract?
In many countries certain terms must be given in writing. In Singapore, for example, most employees must receive their Key Employment Terms in writing within 14 days of starting. A full contract avoids disputes later.
Can I add a non-compete?
You can, but in many countries, including Singapore and the UK, a restriction on competing is only enforceable if it is reasonable in length, area and scope. FD AI lets you choose a short period and flags the risk.
Which country's law applies?
Usually the law of the place where the employee works. If the employer and employee are in different countries, both may matter; FD AI flags the mismatch.
Can I edit the contract after FD AI drafts it?
Yes. Change any wording before you download it as a Word document, and ask FD AI to explain any clause.
More Employment contract templates
More free templates
Draft your Singapore employment contract now
Your first 3 documents are free · no card needed. A Founders Doc lawyer is one click away if you want a review.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every deal is different — for advice on your situation, talk to a Founders Doc lawyer.