Due to Singapore's extreme land scarcity, cremation has become the predominant choice for the majority of families. However, burial remains available and is required by certain faith traditions. This guide compares both options, covering NEA regulations, costs, processes, and what happens after.
Cremation in Singapore
Cremation is the most common choice in Singapore, offering affordability, flexibility in ash disposition, and no concerns about future exhumation.
Cremation Facilities
Mandai Crematorium is the government-operated cremation facility and the primary option for most families. The Mandai North Crematorium, opened on 15 August 2025, houses 6 service halls and 18 cremators, expanding capacity significantly.
Private crematoria are also available, such as the one operated by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.
Cremation Costs
| Facility | Cost | |---|---| | Government crematorium (Mandai) | $100 per adult (citizens/PRs) | | Private crematoria | $300 - $430 |
Government cremation at Mandai is significantly more affordable than private options.
The Cremation Process
- Obtain a Permit to Cremate from the NEA ePortal (no fee)
- The funeral service and final prayers are held at the crematorium service hall
- Cremation takes approximately 1-2 hours
- Ashes are collected the next day or same day (depending on the facility)
Advantages of Cremation
- Significantly more affordable than burial
- No exhumation concerns after 15 years
- Greater flexibility in ash disposition (columbarium, sea scattering, garden, or home)
- Widely accepted across most faith traditions
- More practical given Singapore's land constraints
Who Chooses Cremation
Cremation is accepted across most faith traditions in Singapore, including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Soka, and Freethinker services. The Roman Catholic Church permits cremation but requests that ashes be kept in a sacred place (columbarium) rather than scattered or kept at home.
Burial in Singapore
Burial remains available but is subject to strict limitations due to land scarcity.
Burial Location
Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex is Singapore's only active public cemetery. It has designated sections for Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and other burials. Historically, Singapore had many cemeteries across the island, including Bidadari and Bukit Brown, but these have been exhumed and redeveloped due to land needs.
Burial Costs
| Burial Type | Cost | |---|---| | Christian/Chinese/Hindu graves | $940 | | Muslim/Parsi/Bahai crypts | $315 |
The Mandatory 15-Year Exhumation Policy
This is the most significant consideration for families choosing burial in Singapore.
Introduced in 1998 due to land scarcity, all burial plots at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery are leased for 15 years only. After 15 years, remains are subject to mandatory exhumation.
Here is what happens:
- NEA issues exhumation notices via newspaper, website, or direct mail to the family
- Families must respond by the stated deadline to claim the remains
- Exhumed remains are either cremated or reburied in smaller plots (if the religion requires burial)
- If the family does not respond, NEA proceeds with exhumation and cremation
The Burial Process
- Obtain a Permit to Bury from the NEA ePortal (no fee)
- Book a burial plot at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery
- Funeral procession to the cemetery
- Burial conducted according to religious customs
- After 15 years: exhumation notice, then cremation or reburial
Who Chooses Burial
- Muslim families: Cremation is not permitted in Islam. All Muslim deceased in Singapore are buried at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.
- Some Christian families: Burial remains a traditional preference for some, though cremation is increasingly common.
- Families with strong cultural or religious beliefs about body preservation.
- Parsi community: Though limited in numbers.
Post-Cremation: Ash Disposition Options
After cremation, families have several options for the ashes.
Government Columbariums
| Location | Standard Niche | Family Niche | |---|---|---| | Mandai Columbarium | $500 | $900 | | Choa Chu Kang Columbarium | $500 | $900 | | Yishun Columbarium | $500 | $900 |
A niche selection fee of $250 applies if you wish to choose a specific location. Government columbariums are non-religious and open to all faiths. They are not air-conditioned but offer the most affordable niche option.
For a comprehensive comparison, see our guide to columbarium niche prices.
Private Columbariums
Private columbariums are located within temples, churches, and memorial gardens. Prices range from $2,000 to $40,000 (single to family suites), with leases typically of 30, 40, or 99 years.
Features often include air-conditioning, enhanced aesthetics, perpetual maintenance, family-friendly facilities, and feng shui consultation. Examples include Nirvana Memorial Garden, Kong Meng San, and All Saints Memorial Chapel.
Ash Scattering
- Garden of Peace (managed by NEA): $320
- Sea scattering: $100 - $800 (basic to private yacht charter). The designated site is south of Pulau Semakau.
Keeping Ashes at Home
Ashes can legally be kept at home in Singapore. Some families choose to keep the urn at home as a personal memorial. There are no specific regulations prohibiting this practice.
Soka Members
Soka Gakkai members may place ashes at the An-Le Memorial Hall at Senja Soka Centre.
Comparison: Cremation vs Burial
| Factor | Cremation | Burial | |---|---|---| | Cost (disposal) | $100 (government) - $430 (private) | $315 - $940 | | Columbarium/Plot | $500 - $40,000 (niche) | Included in burial fee | | Duration | Permanent (niche lease varies) | 15 years only | | Exhumation | Not applicable | Mandatory after 15 years | | Faith restrictions | Not permitted for Muslims | Required for Muslims | | Availability | Widely available | Limited (Choa Chu Kang only) | | Ash options | Columbarium, sea, garden, home | Not applicable | | Environmental impact | Moderate | Higher (land use) |
Making the Decision
When deciding between cremation and burial, consider these factors:
Religious Requirements
If the deceased is Muslim, burial is the only option as Islam does not permit cremation. For all other faiths, both options are available, though some traditions have preferences. Discuss with your religious leader or funeral director if you are unsure.
Long-Term Considerations
Burial in Singapore comes with the 15-year exhumation policy. This means the family will need to make decisions about the remains again after 15 years. Cremation provides a more permanent solution, especially when paired with a columbarium niche or ash scattering.
Family Wishes
If the deceased expressed a preference during their lifetime, that should be honoured where possible. If no preference was stated, the family should discuss and reach a consensus, guided by faith, tradition, and practical considerations.
Cost
The total cost of burial versus cremation depends on the full picture. While burial plot fees ($315-$940) may seem comparable to cremation ($100-$430), cremation families also need to consider the cost of a columbarium niche ($500 for government, $2,000-$40,000+ for private) or other ash disposition. A funeral director can help you compare the total costs for your specific situation.
NEA Regulations to Know
The National Environment Agency (NEA) governs funeral-related regulations in Singapore:
- Permit to Bury or Cremate: Required for all burials and cremations. Free of charge, applied via the NEA ePortal.
- Coffin/Casket Permit: Required for the use of a casket. Costs $10, applied via the NEA ePortal.
- Wake duration: If the wake exceeds 7 days from the date of death, written permission from NEA is required.
- Exhumation programme: NEA manages the mandatory exhumation process at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery for plots that have exceeded the 15-year lease.
- Ash scattering: NEA manages the Garden of Peace ash scattering facility and designates the sea scattering site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burial still available in Singapore?
Yes, burial is available at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex, which is Singapore's only active public cemetery. However, all burial plots are leased for 15 years only, after which mandatory exhumation applies.
What happens after 15 years of burial?
NEA issues exhumation notices to the family. The remains are then either cremated or reburied in a smaller plot (if the religion requires burial). If the family does not respond, NEA proceeds with exhumation and cremation.
Can I keep ashes at home in Singapore?
Yes. It is legal to keep cremation ashes at home in Singapore. There are no specific regulations prohibiting it.
Where can I scatter ashes at sea?
Sea scattering is permitted at a designated site south of Pulau Semakau. Licensed operators provide this service, with costs ranging from $100 to $800 depending on the arrangement (basic to private yacht charter).
Why do most Singaporeans choose cremation?
The main reasons are land scarcity (leading to the 15-year exhumation policy for burials), lower costs, no exhumation concerns, and greater flexibility in ash disposition (columbarium, sea scattering, home, or garden).
Is cremation allowed for all religions?
Cremation is accepted by most religions practised in Singapore, including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The notable exception is Islam, which does not permit cremation. The Roman Catholic Church permits cremation but requires that ashes be kept in a sacred place.
How much does cremation cost compared to burial?
Government cremation at Mandai costs $100, compared to $315-$940 for burial at Choa Chu Kang. However, the total cost depends on whether you choose a columbarium niche ($500 for government, $2,000-$40,000 for private) or other ash disposition options.
What are the environmental considerations?
Both cremation and burial have environmental impacts. Cremation uses energy and produces emissions, while burial uses land -- a particularly scarce resource in Singapore. The government's long-term policy favours cremation as the more sustainable option for the nation's needs. Some families choose sea scattering or the Garden of Peace as lower-impact alternatives.