Arranging a funeral in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially when you are grieving. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from the immediate steps after a death to the final arrangements and beyond. With a clear plan, families can navigate this difficult time with greater confidence.
Immediate Steps (Within 24 Hours of Death)
Get the Death Certified
If the death occurs at home from natural causes, call the family doctor or nearest clinic to certify the death. If it occurs in hospital, the attending doctor handles certification. If the death is unexpected or suspicious, call the police at 999.
A doctor issues a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD), which is essential for all subsequent steps.
Death Is Automatically Registered
Since May 2022, deaths in Singapore are automatically registered online once a doctor certifies the death. You do not need to visit ICA.
Download the Digital Death Certificate
The next-of-kin downloads the digital death certificate via the MyLegacy@LifeSG portal (mylegacy.life.gov.sg) using Singpass. This must be done within 30 days. There is no fee.
Contact a Funeral Director
A funeral director is your most important partner in the planning process. Contact one as soon as possible after the death.
For a comprehensive overview of the initial steps after a death, see our guide on what to do when someone dies.
Choosing a Funeral Director
A good funeral director handles the logistics so the family can focus on grieving and remembering their loved one. Their services typically include:
- Venue booking (void deck, funeral parlour, private property)
- Permit applications (Coffin Permit, Burial/Cremation Permit, void deck permit)
- Transport of the deceased to the wake venue and crematorium/cemetery
- Coordination with religious officiants (monks, Taoist priests, pastors, imams)
- Setup and logistics (tentage, altar, chairs, lighting, sound system)
- Embalming (if needed for a multi-day wake)
- Cremation or burial arrangements
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Funeral Director
- What is included in the package price? Are there hidden costs?
- What faiths and traditions do you specialise in?
- Do you handle all permit applications?
- What venues can you arrange?
- Can I see a full cost breakdown before committing?
- What happens if I need to change plans after booking?
At The Funeral Company, we provide transparent nett pricing with detailed breakdowns and handle all permits and logistics on your behalf.
Documents Needed
The following documents are needed throughout the funeral arrangement process:
| Document | Purpose | How to Obtain | |---|---|---| | Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) | Proof of death and cause | Issued by certifying doctor | | Digital Death Certificate | Legal proof of death registration | Download via MyLegacy@LifeSG using Singpass | | Deceased's NRIC | Identification | From deceased's belongings (will be invalidated) | | Next-of-kin's NRIC | Permit applications | Personal document | | Coffin/Casket Permit | Required for casket use | $10, via NEA ePortal | | Permit to Bury or Cremate | Required for cremation/burial | Free, via NEA ePortal | | Void Deck Permit | Required for void deck wakes | From Town Council | | Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) | Required if setup extends to public areas near private properties | From SLA |
Your funeral director typically handles all permit applications on your behalf.
Choosing a Venue
The choice of venue is one of the most important decisions in funeral planning. Each option has its advantages.
HDB Void Deck
- Cost: Under $100 (utility fees only; usage fee is typically waived)
- Requirements: Must be a resident of the precinct; apply through Town Council
- Pros: Most affordable, close to home, accessible for the community
- Cons: Open-air (can be hot), public space, noise curfew at 10:30 PM
The void deck is the most common funeral venue in Singapore. Booking must be made before any setup begins. Bring your NRIC and the death certificate when booking with the Town Council.
For full details, see our guide to void deck funeral permits.
Funeral Parlour
- Cost: $500 - $1,800 per day
- Pros: Climate-controlled, private, fully equipped, no noise restrictions, suitable for all faiths
- Cons: More expensive, visitors must travel to the location
Funeral parlours are ideal for families seeking privacy and comfort. Many provide catering facilities, parking, and overnight accommodation.
Landed Property
- Cost: Free (own property)
- Requirements: May need a Temporary Occupation Licence from SLA if the setup extends to public walkways or roads
- Pros: Full control over arrangements, more space for larger gatherings
- Cons: Setup logistics must be managed; neighbours should be informed
Religious Institutions
Churches, temples, and mosques may host funeral services for their members. This provides a familiar setting for the deceased's faith community.
Deciding on the Service Type
Choose the funeral service type based on the deceased's faith, wishes, and family preferences:
| Faith | Typical Duration | Key Features | |---|---|---| | Buddhist | 3, 5, or 7 days | Monk chanting, incense, joss paper, 49-day mourning | | Taoist | 3, 5, or 7 days | Taoist priests, paper offerings, elaborate rituals | | Christian | 2-5 days | Pastor, hymns, scripture, eulogies | | Catholic | 3-5 days | Priest, Rosary, Requiem Mass | | Muslim | 1 day | Burial within 24 hours, ghusl, Salat al-Janazah | | Hindu | 1 day | Cremation within 24 hours, priest chanting | | Soka | 3-5 days | Chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, simplicity | | Freethinker | 1-5 days | Fully customisable, no religious elements |
For a comprehensive overview of all traditions, see our guide to Singapore funeral customs and traditions.
Timeline Checklist
Day 1 (Day of Death)
- Death certified by a doctor
- Contact a funeral director
- Decide on the faith-based service type
- Choose the venue (void deck, parlour, home)
- Notify family and close friends
- Download the digital death certificate via MyLegacy
Day 1-2 (Arrangement Phase)
- Funeral director applies for permits (Coffin Permit, Burial/Cremation Permit)
- Book void deck with Town Council (if applicable)
- Select a casket
- Arrange embalming (if multi-day wake)
- Coordinate with the religious officiant (monks, priests, pastor)
- Order flowers and set up the altar
- Arrange catering for the wake
- Place a newspaper obituary (if desired)
During the Wake (1-7 Days)
- Receive visitors and condolences
- Conduct religious rites and prayers
- Manage logistics (food, drinks, setup)
- Family members keep vigil as appropriate
Final Day
- Funeral service and final prayers
- Procession to the crematorium or cemetery
- Cremation or burial conducted according to religious customs
- Ashes collected (usually the next day for cremation)
After the Funeral
- Niche placement at columbarium, ash scattering, or home storage
- Handle CPF and estate matters
- Locate the will and apply for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Cancel the deceased's subscriptions, accounts, and memberships
- Notify relevant government agencies (HDB, IRAS, banks)
For details on CPF matters, see our guide on CPF withdrawal for funeral expenses.
Understanding Funeral Costs
Funeral costs in Singapore vary widely depending on the service type, venue, and duration:
- Direct cremation: $1,300 - $2,500
- Standard 3-day wake: $5,500 - $8,000
- Elaborate traditional funeral: $10,000 - $20,000+
Always request a detailed cost breakdown from your funeral director before committing. Look for transparent "nett pricing" that includes all charges.
For a full cost analysis, see our guide to funeral costs in Singapore.
Financial Assistance
Families facing financial difficulty can seek help through:
- ComCare: Apply through Social Service Offices for financial assistance
- Religious organisations: Some temples, churches, and mosques offer subsidised rates
- CPF: While CPF cannot be used upfront, nominees receive the deceased's CPF savings after processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I arrange a funeral without a funeral director?
Yes, it is legally possible to arrange a funeral without a funeral director. However, a director significantly simplifies the process by handling permits, venue booking, logistics, and coordination with religious officiants. For most families, engaging a funeral director is strongly recommended.
How quickly must I arrange the funeral?
The timeline depends on the faith tradition. Muslim and Hindu funerals are typically conducted within 24 hours. For other traditions, wakes commonly begin within 1-2 days and can last 3-7 days. There is no strict legal deadline, but the wake should start within a reasonable timeframe after death.
Do I need to book the void deck before setting up?
Yes. Always book the void deck with your Town Council before any setup begins. Setting up without prior booking may result in conflicts with other bookings or Town Council action.
What if I cannot afford a funeral?
Contact your nearest Social Service Office to apply for ComCare financial assistance. Some religious organisations also offer subsidised funeral services. The most affordable option is a direct cremation without a wake, which costs approximately $1,300 to $2,500.
Can the funeral wake last more than 7 days?
Yes, but written permission from NEA is required if the wake exceeds 7 days from the date of death. Most families complete the wake within 3 to 7 days.
What if family members disagree on the funeral arrangements?
It is common for families to have different views on funeral arrangements. A funeral director can act as a neutral mediator, presenting options and helping the family reach a consensus. If the deceased left written wishes or a will with funeral instructions, these should be given priority.
Should I pre-plan my own funeral?
Pre-planning allows you to document your wishes, choose your preferred service type, and even lock in current prices. It relieves your family of the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotional time. Many funeral service providers in Singapore offer free consultation for pre-planning.