What to do when someone passes away in Singapore (a step-by-step guide for families)

When someone passes away, the first few hours can feel overwhelming. Grief, shock, and confusion often collide with practical questions: Who do I call first? What needs to be done immediately? What can wait?

In Singapore, there is a clear process to follow after a death, but most families are understandably unfamiliar with it until the moment arrives.

This guide is written to help families, especially Indian families in Singapore, navigate the first steps with clarity and calm, so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.

Step 1: Confirm the death and obtain a Certificate of Cause of Death

What you do first depends on where the passing occurred.

If the death happened at home

• Call a registered doctor or GP to certify the death.

• The doctor will examine the deceased and issue a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD).

• If the death was unexpected or unattended, the police may be involved before certification.

  
  

If the death happened in a hospital or hospice

• The hospital staff will handle the certification process.

• The CCOD will usually be issued by the attending doctor.

  
  

This document is essential. Without it, no further arrangements (funeral or administrative) can proceed.

Step 2: Register the death

Once the Certificate of Cause of Death is issued, the death must be registered.

In Singapore:

• Death registration is typically completed digitally by the hospital or clinic.

• A Digital Death Certificate will be issued.

• Families can download and store this document for administrative use.

  
  

You will need this certificate for:

• Funeral arrangements

• CPF matters

• Bank accounts and insurance claims

• Legal and estate matters

  
  

It’s advisable to keep multiple digital copies easily accessible.

Step 3: Contact a Funeral Service Provider 

This step does not need to be rushed, even though it may feel urgent.

A professional funeral service provider can:

• Advise on timelines and next steps

• Handle transportation of the deceased

• Guide you through venue options

• Coordinate religious or cultural rites

• Help manage paperwork and logistics

  
  

A good provider will explain first, not pressure you into packages. If you feel rushed or confused, it’s okay to pause and ask questions.

How a Funeral Director can help

After the initial certification and registration, many families choose to engage a funeral director to guide them through the next steps. At Indian Life Memorial, we act as the funeral service provider and director for families in Singapore, overseeing the arrangements from start to finish. This includes the care and transportation of the deceased, coordination of venues and rites, managing timelines, and ensuring each step is carried out respectfully and in accordance with the family’s wishes. Our role is to handle the logistics with clarity and professionalism, so families are not left navigating complex decisions on their own during an already difficult time.

Step 4: Decide where the wake will be held

In Singapore, families typically choose between three main options:

1. Funeral Parlour

• Air-conditioned, private, and professionally managed

• Minimal setup and cleanup required from the family

• Suitable for families who want a quiet, contained space

  What to do when someone passes away in Singapore (a step-by-step guide for families)

2. HDB Void Deck

• Common and familiar

• Allows for larger gatherings

• Requires permits, tentage, and coordination

  
  

3. Home Wake

• More intimate and personal

• Increasingly challenging due to space constraints

• Requires careful planning for hygiene and logistics

  
  

There is no “better” choice, only what works best for your family’s emotional and practical needs.

Step 5: Understand the funeral timeline

Most funerals in Singapore take place within 2 to 5 days after passing, depending on:

• Religious customs

• Venue availability

• Family readiness

  
  

For Indian families, rituals may include:

• Prayers and chanting

• Viewing and final respects

• Cremation or burial arrangements

• Post-funeral rites

  
  

A clear timeline helps families pace decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 6: Make decisions on funeral arrangements 

At this stage, families will be asked about:

• Coffin selection

• Transportation

• Setup and decor

• Religious items and arrangements

• Duration of the wake

  
  

It’s important to know:

• Many essential services remain the same regardless of package cost

• Price differences often come from material choices or additional setups

• A meaningful send-off does not require extravagance

  
  

Take time to understand what is essential, and what is optional.

Step 7: Inform close family and friends

Once basic arrangements are confirmed:

• Inform immediate family members

• Share wake details with close friends and relatives

• Consider designating one person to manage communications

  
  

This reduces repeated emotional strain on the next of kin.

Step 8: After the funeral, what comes next?

The days after the funeral are often quieter, but administrative tasks remain.

These may include:

• Ash collection or burial documentation

• CPF submissions

• Closing or transferring bank accounts

• Insurance claims

• Will and estate matters

  
  

Many families find it helpful to address these gradually rather than all at once.

Common questions families ask

1) Can arrangements be adjusted to fit our budget?

Yes. Most funerals can be planned with flexibility. Adjustments can be made in areas such as setup, duration, or non-essential elements, while still maintaining dignity and respect. Open conversations about budget early on often prevent stress later.

2) Who helps us with the paperwork and arrangements?

A funeral director can assist with coordinating logistics, guiding families through necessary steps, and advising on what documents or processes are required. This support often helps reduce stress during an already difficult period.

3) What are the hidden costs we should look out for?

Families often worry about unexpected charges. Common areas to clarify upfront include:

• Additional days for the wake

• Venue-related fees or permits

• Optional setup or ceremonial items

• Changes requested after confirmation

• A transparent provider should explain these clearly before arrangements are finalised.

A Gentle Reminder

Grief is not linear. There is no “correct” way to feel or proceed.

What matters most is that families:

• Are given clear information

• Are treated with dignity

• Are supported, not rushed

If you’re unsure about what to do next, it’s okay to seek guidance, before making decisions.

Final Thought

The first steps after a passing can feel daunting, but with the right support and clear information, families can move through this period with calm and confidence.

If you’re navigating this journey now, know that help exists, and you do not have to do everything at once.