Overseas

If the death occurs overseas

If death had occurred overseas, it should be registered with the relevant foreign authorities where the death occurred.

A. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

For Cremation or Burial

The body of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident may be brought back to Singapore for cremation or burial. However, a Coffin (Import) Permit is required to bring the body into Singapore. A funeral director can assist with the procedures.

Application for Coffin (Import) Permit

a) An application for a Coffin Permit can be made via online through the NEA ePortal under Port Health Services. Should you encounter issues when applying, you may seek assistance at the following office:

      Port Health Office
      4545 Jalan Bukit Merah
      Singapore 159466
      Tel: 6222 2585
      Fax: 6222 8543

b) Documents required for the issuance of the coffin permit:

1. Death Certificate issued by the country where death occurred (an English-translated copy is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages), Cause of Death Certificate or a Statutory Declaration
2. Sealing Certificate for the coffin (an English-translated copy is required)
3. Embalming Certificate, where applicable (an English-translated copy is required)
4. Coffin Export Permit from the country exporting the body
5. AirWay bill (Air Consignment Note) (optional)
6. Any other documents as required by the local authorities (If you are unsure, please consult your appointed funeral director, the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or MFA for advice.)

If the application is submitted by the funeral director, the Permit to Bury/Cremate will be granted only if the deceased's next-of-kin gives a letter of authorisation for the funeral director to apply for the permit.

c) A coffin permit costs $17.50. The Permit to Bury/Cremate will be issued with the coffin permit at no extra charge.

The death must also be reported to Singapore's Registry of Births and Deaths, Citizen Centre, 3rd Storey, ICA Building, personally by the next-of-kin of the deceased. If the next-of-kin is unable to report the death personally at the ICA building, a letter of authorisation will be required.

Documents required:

1. Death Certificate issued by the foreign authorities (an English-translated copy is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages)
2. Coffin (Import/Export) permit
3. Permit to Bury/Cremate
4. Deceased's Singapore identity card, passport, Citizenship Certificate (if any), and
5. Informant's identification documents

B. Foreign National

For Cremation

• The body of a foreigner may be imported into Singapore for cremation. A Coffin (Import) Permit is required to bring a body into Singapore. A funeral director can assist with the procedures.

• A Permit to Cremate will be issued together with the Coffin (Import) Permit. If the application is by the funeral director, the permit will be granted only if the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorisation to the funeral director to apply for the permit.

• Foreigners cremated in Singapore are not entitled to purchase niches in government-operated columbaria. They may however purchase niches at private columbaria.

For Burial

• Permission has to be granted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for a body of non-Singaporean/non-Permanent Resident to be imported into Singapore. Due to the limited size of Singapore's burial grounds, bodies of foreign nationals are generally not allowed to be imported into Singapore for burial. 

• A Coffin (Import) Permit is required to import a body into Singapore. A funeral director can assist with the procedures.

• A Permit to Bury will be issued together with the Coffin (Import) Permit. If application is by the funeral director, the permit will be granted only if the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorisation to the funeral director to apply for the permit.