What to Do When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

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What to Do When Someone Passes Away in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Losing a loved one is never easy. When death occurs, grieving families face overwhelming emotions while navigating unfamiliar legal and administrative procedures. In Singapore, specific protocols must be followed within strict timeframes, from obtaining death certificates to arranging final rites. This comprehensive guide walks you through every essential step when someone passes away in Singapore, helping you handle this difficult time with clarity and confidence while honoring your loved one’s memory.

Understanding What Happens When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

The First 24 Hours: Immediate Actions Required

When someone passes away in Singapore, time-sensitive actions must be taken immediately. The location of death significantly impacts the procedures you’ll need to follow.

If death occurs at home:

Contact the deceased’s doctor immediately if they were under regular medical care
Do not move the body until proper authorization is received
The doctor must examine the body and certify the cause of death
If the doctor is unavailable or the death is unexpected, call the police at 999

If death occurs in a hospital or nursing home:

The medical facility will handle initial procedures
Medical staff will certify the death and complete required documentation
The body will be moved to the hospital mortuary
Family members will be guided through next steps by hospital staff

If death occurs in a public place or is suspicious:

Call Singapore Police Force at 999 immediately
Do not disturb the scene or move the body
A coroner’s inquiry may be required to determine the cause of death
The investigation process may delay funeral arrangements

Legal Requirements: Understanding Singapore’s Death Registration Process

Singapore law mandates that all deaths must be registered within 24 hours of occurrence. This strict timeline exists to maintain accurate population records and prevent fraud.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (ROBD) at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) oversees this process. Understanding what to do when someone passes away in Singapore begins with proper death registration.

Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

Step 1: Obtaining the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

The MCCD is the foundational document required before any funeral arrangements can proceed.

Who issues the MCCD:

The attending physician if death occurred under medical care
A police medical officer if death was sudden or suspicious
A pathologist following a post-mortem examination

Information required on the MCCD:

Full name and identification number of the deceased
Date, time, and place of death
Immediate cause of death
Underlying conditions contributing to death
Whether a post-mortem was conducted

Timeline considerations:

Natural deaths with attending physician: Issued within hours
Coroner’s cases: May take several days to weeks
Post-mortem examinations: Typically completed within 24-48 hours

Cost implications:

Document Type	Cost (SGD)	Processing Time
MCCD (Natural Death)	Free	Same day
MCCD (Coroner’s Case)	Free	3-14 days
Certified True Copy of MCCD	$13 per copy	Immediate

Step 2: Reporting the Death and Obtaining the Death Certificate

Once you have the MCCD, the next critical step when someone passes away in Singapore is registering the death with ICA.

Where to register:

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except public holidays)
Closed on weekends

Who can register the death:

The following individuals are qualified to register a death in order of priority:

A relative of the deceased who was present at the death
A relative of the deceased who was in attendance during the last illness
Any relative residing or present in Singapore
The person responsible for the premises where death occurred
An authorized funeral director
Any person present at the death
Any person who found the deceased’s body

Documents required for death registration:

Original Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Deceased’s NRIC or passport
NRIC of the person registering the death
Marriage certificate (if the deceased was married)
Divorce papers (if applicable)
Details of deceased’s parents, including their names and identification numbers

The registration process:

Upon arrival at ICA, you will:

Submit the MCCD and supporting documents at the ROBD counter
Verify all information about the deceased
Answer questions about family background and circumstances of death
Pay the required fees for death certificate copies
Receive the death certificate(s) within 30 minutes

Death certificate fees:

Number of Copies	Cost (SGD)
First copy	$13
Each additional copy	$13
Express service (within 15 minutes)	$50 per copy
Replacement copy (subsequent request)	$18 per copy

Pro tip: Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate during initial registration. You’ll need them for insurance claims, bank account closures, CPF nominations, property transfers, and various other administrative matters.

Step 3: Engaging a Funeral Director

Knowing what to do when someone passes away in Singapore includes selecting an appropriate funeral service provider to guide you through final arrangements.

Why you need a funeral director:

Professional handling and preparation of the deceased’s body
Coordination with hospitals, mortuaries, and crematoriums
Arrangement of religious or cultural ceremony requirements
Logistical support for wake and funeral proceedings
Assistance with paperwork and permits
Transportation of the body to the final resting place

Choosing a funeral service provider:

Singapore has numerous funeral directors offering services across different price ranges. Consider these factors:

Reputation and experience with your cultural or religious requirements
Transparent pricing without hidden costs
Range of packages available
Quality of facilities and equipment
Availability and responsiveness
Language capabilities of staff

Typical funeral package inclusions:

Service Component	Description
Casket/Coffin	Various materials from simple wood to premium hardwoods
Embalming	Preservation of the body for viewing
Transportation	Hearse and family vehicles
Wake Setup	Tentage, chairs, tables, lighting
Ceremonial Items	Flowers, wreaths, memorial photographs
Documentation Support	Permit applications and processing
Crematorium/Burial Arrangements	Booking and coordination
Religious Services	Priest, monk, or religious officiant arrangements

Average funeral costs in Singapore:

Budget funeral package: $3,000 – $6,000
Mid-range funeral package: $6,000 – $12,000
Premium funeral package: $12,000 – $25,000+
Burial plot (Choa Chu Kang Cemetery): $390 – $4,500 depending on religion and plot type
Columbarium niche: $2,000 – $15,000+ depending on location and temple

Government assistance available:

Low-income families may apply for funeral assistance through:

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) funeral grants
Community Development Councils (CDC) assistance schemes
Clan associations or religious organizations
Mosque-based zakat funds for Muslim families

Step 4: Applying for Burial or Cremation Permits

No burial or cremation can occur in Singapore without proper permits, making this a crucial aspect of what to do when someone passes away in Singapore.

For cremation:

Singapore has two main crematoriums:

Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium
Fernvale Garden of Remembrance

Cremation permit requirements:

Completed application form from National Environment Agency (NEA)
Original death certificate
Cremation permit fee: $80
Processing time: Immediate upon document submission
Actual cremation: Must occur at least 24 hours after death

For burial:

Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is Singapore’s only active public cemetery for new burials.

Burial permit requirements:

Completed application form from NEA
Original death certificate
Proof of religious affiliation (for religious section burials)
Burial permit fee: $50
Plot rental fees vary by religion and location

Burial plot rental periods:

Religion	Initial Period	Extension Options
Christian	15 years	Renewable
Muslim	Indefinite	N/A (permanent)
Hindu/Sikh	15 years	Renewable
Other Religions	15 years	Renewable

Exhumation requirements:

After the initial burial period expires, families must:

Exhume remains for cremation, or
Apply for plot extension (subject to availability), or
Transfer remains to a columbarium niche

Step 5: Planning the Wake and Funeral Service

Cultural and religious customs heavily influence funeral arrangements when someone passes away in Singapore.

Wake duration by culture:

Chinese funerals: Typically 3-7 days depending on family circumstances and selected auspicious dates
Malay/Muslim funerals: Within 24 hours of death, following Islamic requirements for swift burial
Indian/Hindu funerals: Usually 1-3 days, with cremation preferred
Christian funerals: 3-5 days on average, accommodating family travel and church schedules

Wake venue options:

Venue Type	Advantages	Typical Cost
HDB void deck	Community support, traditional, affordable	$1,500 – $3,000
Private residence	Personal, intimate	$2,000 – $4,000
Funeral parlor	Professional facilities, climate-controlled	$3,000 – $8,000
Community center	Larger capacity	$2,500 – $5,000

Funeral service components:

Understanding what to do when someone passes away in Singapore includes planning meaningful funeral rites:

Viewing and visitation: Family and friends pay respects to the deceased
Religious ceremonies: Prayers, chanting, or masses according to faith tradition
Eulogies: Family members and friends share memories and tributes
Procession: Transport from wake venue to crematorium or cemetery
Committal service: Final prayers at crematorium or graveside
Post-funeral gathering: Optional meal or reception for attendees

Digital considerations in modern funerals:

Live-streaming services for overseas relatives
Digital memorial boards displaying photos and videos
Online condolence platforms
QR codes for electronic donations instead of cash
Social media announcements and memorial pages

Step 6: Handling the Deceased’s Financial Matters

Addressing financial and legal obligations is a critical component of what to do when someone passes away in Singapore.

Immediate financial tasks:

Notify the deceased’s bank: Prevent unauthorized transactions and freeze accounts
Locate important documents: Will, insurance policies, property deeds, investment accounts
Identify outstanding debts: Mortgages, loans, credit card balances
Secure valuable items: Jewelry, cash, important documents
Continue essential payments: Mortgage, utilities, insurance premiums to prevent lapse

Documents to gather:

Will (if available)
Insurance policies (life, health, property)
Bank account statements
Investment portfolio records
CPF statements and nomination forms
Property ownership documents
Vehicle registration papers
Tax returns and financial statements
Business ownership documents
Digital account information and passwords

Accessing the deceased’s bank accounts:

Singapore banks require specific procedures when someone passes away:

Required documents for banks:

Original death certificate
Deceased’s NRIC or passport
Your NRIC (as the person making the claim)
Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (for estates exceeding certain thresholds)
CPF Nomination papers (if applicable)
Marriage certificate (for spouse claims)

Bank account thresholds:

Estate Value	Required Documentation
Below $50,000 (single bank)	Death certificate, statutory declaration
$50,000 – $150,000	Death certificate, small estate letters
Above $150,000	Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

Step 7: Making CPF Claims and Nominations

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) represents significant savings for most Singaporeans, making CPF claims essential when someone passes away in Singapore.

Types of CPF nominations:

CPF Nomination: Deceased made a valid nomination directing distribution
Muslim intestacy rules: Applies to Muslim members without nominations
Intestate Succession Act: Applies to non-Muslim members without nominations

If there is a valid CPF nomination:

Nominees can claim CPF savings directly from CPF Board
No Grant of Probate required regardless of amount
Processing time: 2-4 weeks after submission of documents
Payment made directly to nominated beneficiaries

Documents required for CPF claims:

Original death certificate
Claimant’s NRIC
Bank account details for payment
Marriage certificate (if claiming as spouse)
Birth certificate (if claiming as child)

If there is no CPF nomination:

The distribution follows intestacy laws, and requirements vary by estate value:

For estates under $50,000:

Apply through Public Trustee’s Office
Simpler process with reduced documentation
Lower legal fees

For estates over $50,000:

Apply for Grant of Probate (if there’s a will) or Letters of Administration (if no will)
Engage a lawyer to handle estate administration
Court application required
More complex and time-consuming process

CPF claim processing timeline:

Scenario	Typical Processing Time
Valid nomination, complete documents	2-4 weeks
No nomination, estate under $50,000	4-8 weeks
No nomination, estate over $50,000	3-6 months
Contested claims	6-12+ months

Step 8: Claiming Life Insurance Benefits

Life insurance claims are a significant financial consideration when someone passes away in Singapore.

Immediate steps for insurance claims:

Notify all insurance companies: Contact every insurer where the deceased held policies
Request claim forms: Each company has specific forms and requirements
Gather required documents: Death certificate, policy documents, medical records
Submit claims promptly: Most policies have time limits for filing claims

Required documents for life insurance claims:

Original death certificate (certified true copy acceptable for most insurers)
Original insurance policy document
Completed claim form from the insurance company
Claimant’s NRIC and proof of relationship to deceased
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Police report (if death was accidental or suspicious)
Coroner’s report (if applicable)
Deed poll or marriage certificate (for name changes)

Insurance claim processing timelines:

Death Type	Documentation Required	Processing Time
Natural causes	Standard documents	2-4 weeks
Accidental death	Police report, investigation	4-8 weeks
Death within 2 years of policy	Medical records, underwriting review	8-12 weeks
Contestable claim	Full investigation	3-6 months

Common reasons for claim delays or rejections:

Non-disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions during policy application
Death occurring during policy exclusion period (typically first 1-2 years)
Policy lapse due to non-payment of premiums
Death resulting from excluded causes (suicide within first year, illegal activities)
Incomplete or incorrect documentation submitted

Beneficiary considerations:

Named beneficiaries receive payouts directly without going through estate
If no beneficiary is named, insurance proceeds form part of the estate
Update beneficiaries after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of children)

Step 9: Applying for Government Bereavement Support

Singapore offers various forms of government assistance when someone passes away, providing both financial and administrative support.

Eldershield/Careshield Life death benefits:

If the deceased was an Eldershield or Careshield Life policyholder:

Return of unused premiums (for Eldershield)
Specific benefits depending on policy terms
Submit claim through CPF Board

Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) death benefits:

If the deceased was receiving Workfare:

Family may be entitled to remaining payments
Contact CPF Board for claim procedures

Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) death notifications:

If an FDW passes away in Singapore:

Employer must notify Ministry of Manpower (MOM) immediately
FDW insurance will cover repatriation and related costs
MOM investigation may be required
Employer must settle outstanding salary and benefits

Baby Bonus scheme adjustments:

If a parent participating in Baby Bonus passes away:

Surviving parent can access remaining funds
Submit claim to Ministry of Social and Family Development

Housing & Development Board (HDB) matters:

When an HDB flat owner passes away:

Surviving co-owners or family members must update HDB records
Flat ownership transfer requires Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
HDB may allow temporary waiver of minimum occupation period under compassionate grounds
Flat may need to be sold if no eligible family members can take over ownership

Property tax adjustments:

Inform the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to:

Stop property tax bills in deceased’s name
Transfer tax liability to estate or new owner
Settle any outstanding tax obligations

Step 10: Estate Administration and Distribution

Understanding what to do when someone passes away in Singapore concludes with proper estate settlement.

Determining if there’s a will:

Check the following locations:

Home safe or filing cabinet
Lawyer’s office where will was drafted
Bank safe deposit box
Wills Registry maintained by Singapore Academy of Law (online search available)

If there is a valid will (testate):

The executor named in the will must:

Apply for Grant of Probate at the Family Justice Courts if estate exceeds $50,000
Gather all assets and liabilities of the deceased
Pay all debts and taxes from the estate
Distribute remaining assets according to will instructions
File estate tax returns if applicable (though Singapore abolished estate duty in 2008, some reporting still required)

If there is no will (intestate):

Distribution follows the Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslims) or Muslim law (for Muslims):

Non-Muslim intestacy rules:

Surviving Family Members	Distribution
Spouse only	100% to spouse
Spouse and children	50% to spouse, 50% to children equally
Children only (no spouse)	100% to children equally
Parents only (no spouse/children)	100% to parents equally
Siblings only	100% to siblings equally
No immediate family	Extended family or government

Muslim intestacy (Faraid):

Islamic inheritance law has specific share allocations:

Sons typically receive double the share of daughters
Specific portions allocated to spouse, parents, children
Complex calculations may require Islamic scholar consultation
Syariah Court involvement for estate distribution

Estate administration timeline:

Task	Typical Duration
Obtaining Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration	2-6 months
Gathering asset information	1-3 months
Settling debts and liabilities	2-4 months
Final distribution to beneficiaries	6-18 months total

Legal fees for estate administration:

DIY application: $300-500 in court fees
Lawyer-assisted (simple estate): $3,000-8,000
Lawyer-assisted (complex estate): $8,000-25,000+
Professional executor fees: 3-5% of gross estate value

Estate duty in Singapore:

Singapore abolished estate duty for deaths occurring on or after February 15, 2008. Estates of persons who died before this date may still have outstanding estate duty obligations.

Additional Practical Considerations When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

Canceling Subscriptions and Memberships

Don’t forget to cancel ongoing services to prevent unnecessary charges:

Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
Internet and cable subscriptions
Mobile phone plans
Gym memberships
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
Club memberships
Insurance policies that should be terminated
Vehicle road tax and insurance

Handling Digital Assets

Modern digital presence requires special attention when someone passes away:

Email accounts:

Google/Gmail: Submit deceased user account request
Yahoo: Submit deceased user request form
Microsoft/Outlook: Contact support with death certificate

Social media accounts:

Facebook: Memorialize or delete account
Instagram: Memorialize or remove account
LinkedIn: Remove profile
Twitter: Request deactivation

Digital property:

Cryptocurrency wallets and exchange accounts
Online shopping accounts with stored payment methods
Cloud storage with important documents or photos
Domain names and website hosting
Digital music, book, and software licenses

Vehicle Ownership Transfer

If the deceased owned a vehicle:

Inform Land Transport Authority (LTA) of the death
Continue road tax and insurance to prevent expiry during estate settlement
Transfer ownership through Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Decide whether to keep or sell the vehicle
De-register if selling or export if applicable

Required documents for vehicle transfer:

Original death certificate
Vehicle registration card
Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
New owner’s NRIC
Transfer fee: $20

Immigration and Passport Matters

For foreign nationals or Singaporeans with dependents:

If deceased was on an Employment Pass or S Pass:

MOM must be notified immediately
Dependant’s passes will be cancelled
Family members must arrange alternative visas or departure
Employer handles official cancellation process

If deceased held foreign citizenship:

Notify the relevant embassy or high commission
Return passport to issuing authority
Obtain consular assistance if needed for repatriation

Grief Support and Counseling Services

Understanding what to do when someone passes away in Singapore includes caring for your emotional wellbeing:

Free grief support services:

Singapore Hospice Council bereavement support programs
Hospital-based bereavement counseling (Mount Alvernia, SGH, TTSH)
Community-based grief support groups
Religious organization counseling services

Professional grief counselors:

Private psychologists specializing in bereavement
Family Service Centres offering subsidized counseling
Employee Assistance Programs (through employer)

Support hotlines:

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1-767
Institute of Mental Health helpline: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counseling: 1800-353-5800

Cultural and Religious Customs to Observe

Singapore’s multicultural society means diverse mourning practices:

Chinese funeral customs:

Wearing of white or black mourning clothes
Odd-number currency in white packets (pek kim)
Avoiding red colors during mourning period
100-day mourning observances
Annual Qing Ming (Tomb Sweeping) and seventh month remembrances

Malay/Muslim funeral customs:

Swift burial following Islamic requirements
Three-day initial mourning period
40-day and 100-day remembrance prayers (tahlil)
Modest dress in white or subdued colors
Avoid weddings and celebrations during mourning period

Indian/Hindu funeral customs:

Cremation preferred over burial
16-day mourning period (some extend to one year)
Specific rituals on 3rd, 13th, and 31st days after death
White clothing during mourning
Annual death anniversary observances (tithi)

Christian funeral customs:

Church memorial services or funeral masses
Burial or cremation accepted
Wake services with prayers and hymns
Reception following funeral service
Anniversary masses and remembrances

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

How long do I have to register a death in Singapore?

By law, you must register a death within 24 hours of its occurrence. Failure to do so may result in penalties and complications with funeral arrangements.

Can I arrange a funeral before obtaining the death certificate?

No. The death certificate is required to obtain cremation or burial permits. Funeral directors can make preliminary arrangements, but the actual funeral cannot proceed without proper documentation.

What happens if someone dies with debt in Singapore?

Debts become obligations of the deceased’s estate, not family members personally. Creditors must be paid from estate assets before distribution to beneficiaries. If debts exceed assets, the estate is insolvent, and family members are not personally liable for the shortfall (unless they were co-signers or guarantors).

Do I need a lawyer to handle the estate?

For small estates under $50,000, you may not need a lawyer and can use simplified procedures through the Public Trustee’s Office. For larger or complex estates, engaging a lawyer is highly recommended to navigate the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration process.

How much does a funeral cost in Singapore?

Funeral costs vary widely depending on cultural requirements, service levels, and burial versus cremation choices. Budget funerals start around $3,000, while elaborate services can exceed $25,000. The average family spends $6,000-$12,000.

Can foreigners be buried or cremated in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners can be cremated or buried in Singapore following the same procedures as citizens. However, many families choose repatriation to the deceased’s home country. Embassies can assist with repatriation arrangements.

What if I can’t afford funeral expenses?

Financial assistance is available through various channels including the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Community Development Councils, religious organizations, and clan associations. Your funeral director can also guide you toward affordable options and payment plans.

How do I access the deceased’s CPF savings?

If there’s a valid CPF nomination, nominees can claim directly from CPF Board with the death certificate and supporting documents. Without a nomination, the distribution follows intestacy laws and may require Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration depending on the estate value.

What happens to HDB flat ownership when someone dies?

Flat ownership passes according to the will or intestacy laws. Surviving co-owners continue ownership. If the deceased was the sole owner, the flat becomes part of the estate and ownership transfers through the probate process. HDB must be notified to update ownership records.

Do I need to pay taxes on inheritance in Singapore?

Singapore abolished estate duty in 2008, so there is no inheritance tax for deaths occurring after February 15, 2008. However, income generated by inherited assets (rental income, investment gains) is subject to standard income tax.

Creating a Personalized Checklist for What to Do When Someone Passes Away in Singapore

To help you navigate this challenging time, here’s a customizable timeline checklist:

Immediate (Within 24 Hours)

[ ] Call the deceased’s doctor or emergency services
[ ] Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
[ ] Notify immediate family members and close friends
[ ] Register the death at ICA and obtain death certificates (order 8-10 copies)
[ ] Contact a funeral director
[ ] Secure the deceased’s home and valuables
[ ] Care for any dependents (children, elderly parents, pets)

First Week

[ ] Apply for cremation or burial permit
[ ] Plan and conduct wake and funeral service
[ ] Notify deceased’s employer (if applicable)
[ ] Contact life insurance companies to initiate claims
[ ] Notify banks to freeze accounts
[ ] Cancel credit cards
[ ] Locate the will and important documents
[ ] Begin gathering financial records and asset information

First Month

[ ] Submit insurance claims with complete documentation
[ ] Notify CPF Board and submit claims if applicable
[ ] Inform government agencies (IRAS, HDB, LTA, etc.)
[ ] Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions
[ ] Begin estate administration process
[ ] Consult with a lawyer if estate is complex
[ ] File for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration if required
[ ] Address urgent financial obligations (mortgage, loans)

2-3 Months

[ ] Complete insurance claim processing
[ ] Finalize CPF claims
[ ] Continue estate administration
[ ] Pay outstanding debts from estate
[ ] Address property ownership transfers
[ ] Handle vehicle ownership transfer or sale
[ ] Close or transfer social media and digital accounts
[ ] File necessary tax returns

3-6 Months

[ ] Complete estate distribution according to will or intestacy laws
[ ] Transfer assets to beneficiaries
[ ] Close estate bank accounts
[ ] Finalize all legal and administrative matters
[ ] Archive important documents for future reference
[ ] Consider grief counseling if needed

1 Year and Beyond

[ ] Observe cultural or religious anniversary remembrances
[ ] Review and update your own estate planning
[ ] Ensure all final documentation is properly stored
[ ] Address any remaining loose ends
[ ] Consider writing an appreciation letter to those who helped

Final Thoughts: Navigating This Difficult Journey

Knowing what to do when someone passes away in Singapore can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. This guide provides a roadmap through the legal, financial, and practical requirements you’ll face, but remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Key takeaways:

Act within legal timeframes: The 24-hour death registration requirement is strict
Gather documentation early: Death certificates, insurance policies, and financial records will be needed repeatedly
Seek professional help: Funeral directors, lawyers, and financial advisors can guide you through complex processes
Access available support: Government assistance, community resources, and grief counseling are available
Be patient with yourself: Handling administrative tasks while grieving is challenging—take breaks when needed
Ask for help: Family, friends, religious communities, and professional services exist to support you

While this guide covers what to do when someone passes away in Singapore from a practical standpoint, remember that grief is a personal journey. Honor your loved one’s memory in ways that feel meaningful to you and your family, whether through traditional ceremonies, personal tributes, or quiet reflection.

The administrative burden will eventually lift, but the love and memories you shared with your departed loved one will remain forever. May this guide serve you well during this difficult time, and may you find peace and comfort as you honor your loved one’s legacy.

Additional Resources:

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): www.ica.gov.sg
National Environment Agency (NEA): www.nea.gov.sg
CPF Board: www.cpf.gov.sg
Family Justice Courts: www.judiciary.gov.sg
Ministry of Social and Family Development: www.msf.gov.sg
Singapore Hospice Council: www.singaporehospice.org.sg

Emergency Contacts:

Police/Ambulance: 999
Non-Emergency Police Hotline: 1800-255-0000
Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24-hour)
National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868

This comprehensive guide aims to support you through one of life’s most challenging experiences. Remember to take care of yourself and your family during this difficult time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance when needed.