When Someone Passes Away in Singapore — Complete Guide

1. Stay calm and call for help — If the passing happened at home, call a doctor immediately. If in hospital, the attending doctor will certify the passing. Do not move your loved one until the doctor has attended.
2. Obtain the Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD) — The attending doctor or hospital issues this document. It is the first official document you need. If the doctor's system is unavailable, a Confirmation of Death is issued instead and is accepted by NEA and Town Councils.
3. Register the passing with ICA — Since 29 May 2022, a passing in Singapore is automatically registered once a doctor certifies it online. There is no need to visit a counter. The next of kin downloads the digital Death Certificate from the MyLegacy website within 30 days.
4. Contact a licensed funeral director — An NEA-licensed funeral director must be engaged to handle the remains. Eternal Horizon is NEA-licensed and available 24/7 at +65 8111 1826.

The following documents and permits are required when someone passes away in Singapore. Eternal Horizon handles all of these on your behalf.

Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD)

Issued by a registered medical practitioner. Required before the body can be moved, embalmed, or released from the hospital.

Digital Death Certificate

Downloaded from MyLegacy.gov.sg within 30 days of the passing. Since 29 May 2022, no in-person registration is required.

NEA Burial/Cremation Permit

Issued by the National Environment Agency. Required before burial or cremation can take place at any Singapore cemetery or crematorium. Issued together with the coffin permit at no extra charge.

Embalming Certificate

Issued by an NEA-licensed embalmer at a licensed funeral parlour. Mandatory for all international repatriation cases.

Export Permit (NEA/HSA)

Required for all outbound repatriation. Issued by NEA's Port Health Office (coffin export permit, $17.50). The funeral director applies on the family's behalf.

Embassy No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Issued by the destination country's Embassy or High Commission in Singapore. Requirements vary by country. The funeral director applies on the family's behalf.

If your loved one is a foreign national, you may wish to repatriate them to their home country. Eternal Horizon specialises in international repatriation from Singapore — handling every step from embalming to air cargo to embassy documentation.

1. Engage Eternal Horizon — Call +65 8111 1826. We take over the entire process from the first call.
2. Obtain the CCOD and Death Certificate — We assist the family in obtaining all necessary documentation from the hospital and ICA.
3. NEA-Licensed Embalming — Our founder, Malcom Ong, is an NEA-licensed embalmer. Embalming is performed at a licensed funeral parlour and an Embalming Certificate is issued.
4. Embassy Documentation — We apply for the Embassy NOC, mortuary certificate, and any consular attestation required by the destination country.
5. Coffin Preparation — We prepare the deceased with dignity, supply an appropriate coffin, and seal it according to IATA guidelines.
6. Air Cargo Booking — We book air cargo space with the airline and provide live flight tracking so the family at the destination knows when to expect arrival.
7. Customs Clearance at Destination — We coordinate with our partner agency at the destination for customs clearance and final handover.

The cost of handling a passing in Singapore depends on whether you choose a local funeral or international repatriation. Eternal Horizon provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no GST and no hidden fees.

Use this checklist to ensure you have all the documents needed. Eternal Horizon assists with every item.

1. 1
   Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD)

   From the certifying doctor or hospital

2. 2
   Digital Death Certificate

   Downloaded from MyLegacy.gov.sg

3. 3
   Deceased's NRIC or Passport

   Original or clear copy

4. 4
   Embalming Certificate

   From the NEA-licensed embalmer

5. 5
   NEA Export Permit

   Applied for by the funeral director

6. 6
   Embassy No Objection Certificate

   From the destination country's embassy

7. 7
   Airway Bill (AWB)

   Air cargo booking confirmation

8. 8
   IATA-Compliant Coffin Sealing

   Performed by the funeral director

9. 9
   Insurance Claim Documents

   If claiming under travel or life insurance