What should I do first when someone passes away in Singapore?

First, call a doctor or hospital to certify the death and obtain a death certificate. Then call a funeral director — Indian Life Memorial is available 24/7 at +65 9687 5688. We will guide you through every step including Medishield claim, CPF notification, and funeral arrangements.

How do I register a death in Singapore?

A death in Singapore must be registered at the Registry of Births and Deaths (ICA). A doctor will first issue a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD). Indian Life Memorial helps families navigate all documentation and registration.

What To Do When Someone Passes in Singapore

Comprehensive guides, FAQs, and resources to help you through this difficult time.

Immediate Steps: What to Do Right Now

Stay Calm & Contact Us

Call or WhatsApp 9687 5688 immediately. We'll guide you through everything step by step.

At Home: Call 995

If your loved one passed at home, call 995 for an ambulance. They will transport to the hospital for a Doctor's Certificate.

At Hospital: Get CCOD

If at hospital, request the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) from the attending doctor.

Prepare Documents

Have ready: Deceased's NRIC, Doctor's Certificate or CCOD, Next-of-kin NRIC.

We Handle the Rest

Collection, permits, cremation booking, venue setup, and all arrangements—leave it to us.

Too much to handle? We can manage every step.

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Helpful Guides

Choosing a Venue

HDB void deck (common & economical), Condo function rooms (more private), Landed property (spacious & personal), Funeral parlours (climate-controlled, professional facilities). We handle setups for all venue types.

How Many Days for a Wake?

1-day wake: Quick, simple, often for direct cremation or immediate family only. 3-day wake: Most common—allows relatives to travel and pay respects. 5-day wake: Extended for large families or overseas relatives. We accommodate your needs.

Choosing Religious Rites

Buddhist: Monks chant sutras; lotus flowers and incense. Taoist: Dialect-specific priests; paper offerings and rituals. Christian: Pastor-led service; hymns and prayers. Roman Catholic: Priest and Mass; crucifix and candles. Soka: SGI leaders; simple, dignified setup. Freethinker: Non-religious celebrant; personalized tributes. Bespoke: Your custom vision—we create it.

What 'Nett Pricing' Includes

All essential services in the package (casket, setup, hearse, permits, coordination). No hidden fees within the stated nett price. Optional upgrades and venue/parlour fees quoted separately upfront. Total transparency—you know exactly what you're paying for.

What to Bring to a Wake

Condolence money (white envelope with odd amount, e.g., $30, $50). Appropriate attire (dark colors, modest). Respectful demeanor. Incense or flowers (often provided, but additional offerings welcome). Your presence and support for the family.

After-Care: Columbarium & Ash Storage

Government columbariums: Mandai, Choa Chu Kang (affordable, public). Private columbariums: Various locations, premium facilities. Home ash storage: Allowed, with proper urn. Sea ash scattering: Requires NEA permit. We assist with bookings, niche selection, and all arrangements.

Downloadable Resources

Helpful checklists and guides you can download and print

Funeral Planning Checklist (PDF)

A comprehensive checklist covering documents, decisions, and steps when planning a funeral in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll need the deceased's NRIC and either a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) from the hospital or a Doctor's Certificate if they passed at home. We will help you obtain these and handle all subsequent permits with NEA.

Costs vary by faith, venue, and duration. Direct Cremation starts from $1,188 nett. Full 3-day Buddhist/Christian/Taoist funerals range from $4,288 to $7,288 nett. All our prices are transparent nett pricing with no hidden fees.

Nett pricing means the stated price includes all essential services in that package—no hidden fees or surprise charges. Optional upgrades, venue/parlour fees, and religious officiant honorariums are quoted separately and clearly upfront.

We respond within minutes, 24/7. Call or WhatsApp 9687 5688 and our team will immediately guide you through the next steps and arrange collection if needed.

Yes. We respectfully serve Buddhist, Taoist (all dialects), Christian, Roman Catholic, Soka, Freethinker, and Bespoke (fully customized) funerals. Our team is experienced in all traditions.

Absolutely. We specialize in professional setups at landed homes and outdoor spaces—tents, seating, altars, florals, and full coordination. We handle permits and compliance with estate rules.

With all documents ready, we can typically schedule cremation within 1-3 days. NEA permit processing is usually same-day or next-day. We expedite all bookings and keep you informed.

We require a deposit upon booking, with the balance payable before or shortly after the funeral. We accept bank transfer, PayNow, cash, and cheque. Payment plans can be discussed for pre-planning.

Typically 5-7 days including documentation, embalming, permits, embassy clearance, and flight booking. We expedite the process urgently and provide regular updates.

Yes. Pre-planning relieves your family of difficult decisions and locks in current pricing. We'll sit with you to discuss preferences, select a package, and document your wishes.

Most families choose a 3-day wake. We also offer 1-day (quick, simple) and 5-day (extended for large families or overseas relatives) options. Duration depends on your faith and family needs.

HDB void decks, condo function rooms, landed properties, outdoor spaces, and funeral parlours. We handle professional setups at all venue types with full permit and compliance support.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

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