What to Do When Someone Passes Away

When a loved one passes away, it is important to notify the relevant parties as soon as possible. The steps involved will vary depending on whether the death occurred at home, in a hospital, or overseas.

Understanding what to do can help families remain calm and take the right actions.

Certification of Death

A doctor must first confirm and certify the cause of death.

• If the cause of death is known and due to natural causes, the doctor will certify the death online and submit the details to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• We can assist in engaging a doctor to certify the cause of death if required.

Once the death is certified, a digital death certificate will be available for download. This document is required to apply for a cremation or burial permit.

Our funeral director will assist with the application and arrangements for cremation or burial.

If the Cause of Death Is Unknown or Unnatural

Further investigation will be required to determine the cause of death.

• The doctor will notify the police and report the case to a coroner.
• The police will arrange for the deceased to be transferred to Mortuary@HSA for investigation.

If the Death Occurred in a Hospital

• Inform the attending doctor or ward nurse immediately.
• If the cause of death is known and natural, the hospital will certify the death online and submit the details to ICA.

If the Death Occurred at Home

• If the deceased was elderly, ill, or recently under medical care, contact the attending doctor first, as they may be able to verify the cause of death.
• Otherwise, contact your family doctor or a nearby GP to request a house call.
• If no doctor is available, you may call our 24-hour hotline at 1800 800 1818, and we will assist in linking you with a doctor on duty.

If the Death Occurred Overseas

• Register the death with the local authorities in the country where the death occurred.
• Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission for assistance with death registration and repatriation of remains to Singapore.
• Further guidance is available on procedures for deaths occurring overseas.

Obtaining the Death Document Number

After certification, you will receive a printout or screenshot containing:

• Death document number
• Deceased’s identification number (used during certification)
• Date of death

The death document number may appear in one of the following formats:

• A 6-digit number followed by a letter (e.g. 000001A) when the digital death certificate is ready for download
• The letter D followed by a 5-digit number (e.g. D10000) when a temporary death document is issued

If the death was certified outside a hospital, the doctor may send these details via other means (e.g. WhatsApp).

This document is required to apply for a cremation or burial permit and to proceed with funeral arrangements. Our experienced funeral directors will assist you throughout the process.

We Are Here to Help

In any situation, please remain calm. If you need immediate assistance, call us at 1800 800 1818 (24 hours).

Our team is here to support you with care, clarity, and professionalism during this difficult time.