Death Occurs Overseas

The body of a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident may be brought back to Singapore for cremation or burial. It will require a Coffin (Import) Permit. Application can be made via online through the NEA ePortal under Port Health Services.

Documents required for application:

• Death Certificate issued by the country where death occurred (copy of English translation is required if the Death Certificate is in ethnic languages), Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) or a Statutory Declaration

• Sealing Certificate for the coffin (an English-translated copy is required)

• Embalming Certificate, where applicable (an English-translated copy is required)

• Coffin Export Permit from the country where the body is exported

• Air Waybill (Air Consignment Note) if by air

• Any other documents as required by the local authorities (if unsure, please consult appointed funeral director, the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or MFA for advice)

Registration of Death

• Report death to Singapore’s Registry of Births & Deaths personally by the next-of-kin of the deceased. 

• Following items are required

  • Death Certificate issued by the country where death occurred (copy of English translation is required if the Death Certificate is in ethic languages)

  • Identification documents of deceased

  • Export/Import permit

  • Permit to Cremate/Bury

  • Identification documents of informant

Alternatively, you can engage a Funeral Director who will be able to do the above mentioned with letter of authorization from the family: (click here for list of Funeral Director)

If the deceased is a foreign national, the body is allowed to be imported into Singapore for cremation. Burial cases are  allowed only if the next-of-kin is a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident. All documentations and permits needed for the registration of the death are as above.

Note: Foreigners cremated in Singapore are not entitled to purchase niches in government – operated columbaria.

Click here for Funeral Arrangement.