What are CPF contributions in Singapore?
CPF contributions are mandatory payments into Singapore's Central Provident Fund, which funds retirement, housing and healthcare. Employers pay them monthly for employees who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents, covering both an employer share and an employee share they recover from wages. For employees aged 55 and below, the rates are 17% from the employer and 20% from the employee.
Also calledCentral Provident FundCPF
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- Rates (age 55 and below)
- Employer 17%, employee 20%
- Monthly wage ceiling
- S$8,000 (from 2026)
- Covers
- Citizens and permanent residents
How CPF contributions work
Rates depend on the employee's age and monthly wage; they are lower for older workers and phase in for low earners. Contributions are calculated on ordinary wages up to a monthly ceiling, which rose to S$8,000 on 1 January 2026, and on additional wages such as bonuses up to an annual limit. The employer pays the total to the CPF Board each month and deducts the employee's share from the employee's pay. Contributions are split across the member's accounts for retirement, housing and healthcare. Foreign employees on work passes are not covered by CPF. Payroll software calculates contributions by age band and submits them; Deel and Remote run Singapore payroll, including CPF, for companies employing staff there.
Common questions
Who must pay CPF contributions?+
Employers in Singapore, for employees who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents. Foreign employees on work passes are not covered.
What are the CPF contribution rates?+
For employees aged 55 and below earning more than S$750 a month, 17% of wages from the employer and 20% from the employee. Rates are lower for older employees.
Is there a cap on CPF contributions?+
Yes. Contributions on ordinary wages stop at a monthly ceiling of S$8,000 from 1 January 2026, and contributions on additional wages such as bonuses are capped each year.
Payroll providers that handle CPF
Part of Accountio’s accounting technology coverage · Glossary
