When 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 Burial

The body of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident may be brought back to Singapore for  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) You may apply for a coffin permit at any time from the following offices:

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

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

If the application is submitted by the funeral director, the Permit to Cremate/Bury will be granted only if the next-of-kin gives a letter of authorisation [PDF, 6.08 KB] 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.

Death Registration

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 translation 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 Burial

• The bodies of foreigners can be imported into Singapore for burial only if the immediate next-of-kin is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. The bodies of foreign nationals may not be imported into Singapore for burial due to the limited size of Singapore’s burial grounds.

• 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 [PDF, 6.08 KB] to the funeral director to apply for the permit.

Information from NEA SG