Family Guide
What to Do When My Loved One Passed Away in Singapore
A calm, clear guide for families — what happens next, who to call, and what paperwork is needed.
Losing someone is overwhelming. Knowing what to do practically can feel impossible in those first hours. This guide walks you through every step — simply and clearly. If you need help right now, call us at +65 8111 1826. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Quick Summary
What should I do when someone passes away in Singapore?When someone passes away in Singapore, the first step is to call a doctor to certify the passing and obtain the Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD). The passing is then automatically registered with ICA through the MyLegacy system, and the digital Death Certificate can be downloaded within 30 days. You then engage an NEA-licensed funeral director (like Eternal Horizon, available 24/7 at +65 8111 1826) to handle embalming, permits, and either a local funeral or international repatriation.
If the Death Happened at Home
- Call us immediately — we will arrange for a doctor to visit your home
- A doctor must certify the death before the body can be moved
- Please do not move the body until the doctor has attended
If the Death Happened in Hospital
- The hospital will certify the death and issue a Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD)
- Ask the hospital for the original CCOD — you will need it for the digital Death Certificate download from MyLegacy
- The hospital social worker can assist with initial steps
Step-by-Step: What Happens After Death in Singapore
Obtain the Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD)
The attending doctor or hospital issues this. It is the first document you need. If the system is unavailable, the doctor will issue a Confirmation of Death instead.
Death Registration with ICA
Since 29 May 2022, a death in Singapore is automatically registered once a doctor certifies the death online. There is no need for the next of kin to register the death at a counter. The next of kin will need to download the digital Death Certificate from the MyLegacy website within 30 days. Eternal Horizon can assist with this process.
Decide: Local Funeral or Repatriation?
If the deceased is a Singapore citizen or PR, the family typically arranges a local funeral. If the deceased is a foreign national, the family must decide whether to hold a local funeral or repatriate their loved one to the home country. Eternal Horizon specialises in repatriation.
If Repatriating: Contact Eternal Horizon
We take over from here. We handle: NEA embalming permits, Embassy or High Commission NOC applications, coffin preparation, airline cargo booking, and all documentation. Call +65 8111 1826.
NEA-Licensed Embalming
If the body is to be repatriated, embalming must be performed by an NEA-licensed embalmer at a licensed funeral parlour. The embalmer issues an Embalming Certificate, which is required for repatriation. Eternal Horizon's founder is an NEA-licensed embalmer.
Embassy / High Commission Documentation
Many destination countries require consular documentation — such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), mortuary certificate, or consular attestation — from their Embassy or High Commission in Singapore before the body can be repatriated. Requirements vary by country. We apply for this on your behalf.
Coffin Preparation and Air Cargo Booking
We prepare the deceased, supply the appropriate coffin, and book air cargo space with the airline. We provide live flight tracking so your family at the destination knows when to expect arrival.
Claim CPF and Insurance
After the death is registered, the next-of-kin can apply to claim CPF savings, life insurance, and any applicable work injury compensation. We can advise on the documentation needed.
Who to Call
Emergency / Ambulance
995
Singapore Civil Defence Force
Police
999
For non-emergency police matters
ICA (Death Certificate Enquiries)
6391 6100
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
NEA (Funeral Licensing)
1800 CALL NEA
National Environment Agency
Eternal Horizon (Repatriation, 24/7)
+65 8111 1826
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions.
How quickly must a death be registered in Singapore?▼
What documents do I need to register a death in Singapore?▼
How long can the body remain in Singapore before repatriation?▼
Can a foreign national be buried in Singapore instead of repatriated?▼
What if the family is overseas and cannot come to Singapore immediately?▼
Is repatriation covered by insurance?▼
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Call us at +65 8111 1826 — we pick up 24 hours a day. We will tell you exactly what to do next, at no obligation.
Looking for the full, comprehensive guide? Read our Complete Guide: When Someone Passes Away in Singapore.