Employment Act, 1968

Employment Act, 1968

According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), a person who is self-employed works under a contract for service, as opposed to an employee who works under a contract of service. In everyday language, we tend to say that self-employed people “are their own boss”, while those who are “traditionally” employed “work for someone else”

Self-employed persons are not covered by the Employment Act, and cannot expect any protections or benefits from their payers other than what is stated in their contract for service. Self-employed persons don’t enjoy CPF Medisave contributions from any employer, must pay for their own insurance and healthcare, and do not enjoy paid medical leave.

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