As of July 2026, the official retirement age in Singapore will be raised to 64 and the re-employment age to 69. This is part of a series of planned increments to allow workers an option to retire later if they so wish. The healthiness of longer lives along with the ageing population trend makes it necessary for the updates to elongate the job term and the hiring of older workers as well as the source of their income. Similarly, the manpower crisis makes it hard for companies to let their experienced staff go.
What Does It Mean To Raise The Retirement Age
At present, the retirement age is set at 63 years and the retirement age is one where employers can’t retire you against your will due to your age. The change to 64 will take place in July 2026. Therefore, until the new age you will be safe from losing your job unless the reasons are pertaining to performance.
Re-Employment After Retirement Age
Once you reach the retirement age, the employers have to offer re-employment up to the new age of 69 (one more than the previous). This could be done through an arrangement of roles – part-time, differing responsibilities – but still keeping you earning and adding value.
Reasons For The Change
Due to better health and a longer lifespan, Singaporeans are opting to work longer. In fact, many people desire or need to work after retirement age. The increment helps in building up CPF savings and at the same time tackles the less entry of young workers into the market.
Benefits for Employees
More years translate into income, CPF contributions, and purpose. The amount of savings due to delaying retirement can be substantial.
Benefits for Businesses
Owning company’s retaining professionals thanks to government subsidies like Part-Time Re-employment Grant (of up to $125,000) and Senior Employment Credit which help cover costs.
Criteria for Re-Employment
To be considered you must a citizen or have permanent residency in Singapore, be performing satisfactorily, and be in good health.
The minimum period of employment is two years if you are 55 or above when you join.
Schedule of Increases
The following is a schedule of the phased changes in the form of a simple table:
| Period | Retirement Age | Re-Employment Age |
|---|---|---|
| Current (until June 2026) | 63 | 68 |
| From 1 July 2026 | 64 | 69 |
| Target by 2030 | 65 | 70 |
No Change to CPF Payout Age
The good news is that the CPF withdrawal criteria remain the same at 65. You are still free to start monthly payouts then, even if you decide to work for longer.
How To Get Ready
It’s best to have a talk with your boss beforehand about alternative solutions. Take a course to learn new skills and stay in demand.
In turn, employers should think about their current policies and investigate the possibility of financial support.
The increase in retirement and re-employment age to 64 and 69 respectively in Singapore from July 2026 is a positive change for longer, healthier working lives. It provides not only more options but also financial security.
The full details can be found at mom.gov.sg or you can have a chat with your HR team right away. Don’t wait and start your plans now to take the best advantage of these changes!