If death occurs overseas

If death had occurred overseas, it should first be registered with the relevant foreign authorities where the death occurred. The body of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident may be brought back to Singapore for cremation or burial after the coffin (import) permit is granted.

Documents required to apply for permit

• Death Certificate issued by the country where death occurred (copy of English translation is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages), Cause of Death
• Certificate or a Statutory Declaration
• Sealing Certificate for the coffin
• Embalming Certificate, where applicable
• Coffin Export Permit from the country exporting the body
• Air Waybill (Air Consignment Note) if by air
   

Fees

$10 for the coffin permit. The Permit to Bury/Cremate will be issued with the coffin permit at no extra charge.

Location to apply for permit

List of international repatriation services

• FlyingHome
• International Funeral Repatriation Services (Singapore)
• Singapore Funeral Services
• Casket Fairprice

Letter of authorization

If the application is by the funeral director, the Permit to Cremate/Bury will be granted provided the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorization for the funeral director to apply for the permit.

Special cases

If the body is an HIV-infected Singaporean Citizen, a prior written approval has to be obtained from National Environment Agency (NEA).

Documents required for death registration in Singapore

• Death Certificate issued by the foreign authorities (copy of English translation is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages)
• Coffin (Import/Export) permit
• Permit to Bury/Cremate
• Deceased's Singapore identity card, passport, Citizenship Certificate (if any), and
• Informant's identification documents

Also read: Death registration in Singapore