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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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?
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 visit a registration counter. The digital Death Certificate can be downloaded from the MyLegacy website within 30 days. Eternal Horizon can assist you with this process immediately.
What documents do I need to register a death in Singapore?
The Certificate of the Cause of Death (CCOD) from the certifying doctor, the deceased's NRIC or passport, and your own NRIC. If the doctor's system is unavailable, a Confirmation of Death is issued instead and accepted by NEA and Town Councils for funeral, burial, or cremation applications.
How long can the body remain in Singapore before repatriation?
NEA requires permission to retain a corpse for more than 7 days (the body must be embalmed). Separately, airlines typically require that an encoffined body be transported within 48 hours of sealing, per IATA guidelines. We work quickly to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Can a foreign national be buried in Singapore instead of repatriated?
Yes, in some cases. Singapore has Christian, Muslim, and other cemeteries. However, plots are limited. Contact us to discuss your options.
What if the family is overseas and cannot come to Singapore immediately?
We act as your local representative. We secure the body, obtain the Death Certificate, and handle all documentation while your family makes travel arrangements.
Is repatriation covered by insurance?
Many travel and life insurance policies include repatriation coverage. We provide all required documentation for insurance claims.

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.