If the death occurs overseas 

If death had occured overseas, it should be registered with the relevant authorities where the death occurs

Singaporean Citizens / Permanent Residents

For Cremation or Burial

The body of a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident may be brought back to Singapore for cremation or burial. However, a Coffin (Import) Permit is required to import a body into Singapore. A funeral director should be able to assist you in the procedures.

Application of Coffin (Import) Permit
a) You may apply for a coffin permit at any time from the following offices:

        I.  Port Health Office 
            4545 Jalan Bukit Merah
            Tel: 6222 2585   Fax: 6222 8543

        II. Airport Health Office
            Singapore Changi Airport
            Tel: 6543 2515   Fax: 6543 1973

b) Documents required for the issuance of the coffin permit:

        I.   Death Certificate issued by the country where death occurred (copy of English
             translation is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages),
             Cause of Death Certificate or a Statutory Declaration
        II.  Sealing Certificate for the coffin
        III. Embalming Certificate, where applicable
        IV. Coffin Export Permit from the country exporting the body
        V. Air Waybill (Air Consignment Note) if by air

If the application is by the funeral director, the Permit to Cremate/Bury will be granted provided the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorization for the funeral director to apply for the permit.

c) The coffin permit costs $10. The Permit to Bury/Cremate will be issued with the coffin permit at no extra charge.

Note: Prior written approval has to be obtained from the National Environment Agency, Environmental Health Department for the import of a body of an HIV-infected Singapore Citizen

Death Registration

The death will also have to be reported to Singapore 's Registry of Births & Deaths , Citizen Centre, 3rd Storey, ICA Building personally by the next-of-kin of the deceased. If the next-of-kin is unable to report the death personally at ICA Building , a letter of authorization will be required.

Documents Required
        I.   Death Certificate issued by the foreign authorities (copy of English
              translation is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages)
        II.  Coffin (Import/Export) permit
        III. Permit to Bury/Cremate
        IV. Deceased's Singapore identity card, passport, Citizenship Certificate (if any), and
        V.  Informant's identification documents

Foreign National

For Cremation

•  Foreigners are allowed to be imported into Singapore for cremation. A Coffin (Import) Permit is required to import a body into Singapore. A funeral director should be able to assist you in the procedures.

•  A Permit to Cremate will also be issued together with the Coffin (Import) Permit. If the application is by the funeral director, the permit will be granted provided the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorization for the funeral director to apply for the permit.

•  Foreigners cremated in Singapore are not entitled to purchase niches in government - operated columbaria. They may however purchase niches at private columbaria.

For Burial

•  Foreigners are allowed to be imported into Singapore for burial only if the immediate next-of-kin is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. NEA does not approve the import of foreigners to Singapore for burial due to the limited size of its burial grounds.

•  A Coffin (Import) Permit is required to import a body into Singapore. A funeral director should be able to assist you in the procedures.

•  A Permit to Bury will also be issued together with the Coffin (Import) Permit. If application is by the undertaker, the permit will be granted provided the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorization for the undertaker to apply for the permit.