SingaporeIs my employer required to give me a reference letter?
No, your employer is not legally required to give you a reference letter under Singapore law.
What the Law Says
Singapore’s Employment Act does not impose any legal duty on employers to issue reference letters to employees upon termination of employment.
The Employment Act 1968 governs key employment rights and obligations in Singapore, including wages, working hours, leave, and termination procedures. However, it contains no provision requiring employers to provide reference letters — whether for former employees, during employment, or upon resignation or dismissal.
Because there is no statutory requirement, issuing a reference remains entirely at the employer’s discretion. Employers may choose to provide one (often as a matter of policy or goodwill), but they face no legal consequences for declining.
What to Do
Check your employment contract — some contracts or company policies may voluntarily commit to providing references.
Request the reference in writing, politely and professionally, specifying intended use (e.g., job application).
If denied, you cannot compel issuance — but you may ask for basic employment verification (e.g., position, dates of service) if needed for administrative purposes.
Consider asking colleagues or supervisors for personal recommendations if an official reference is unavailable.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.