As of May 2022, the public no longer needs to register a death in person; instead, the death is automatically registered once a doctor certifies it online. Zuver is pleased to guide your through the following steps to navigate the process smoothly:
Step 1: Certifying the Death
- The certifying doctor validates the death online, and the registration is automatic.
- The doctor issues the Death Certificate Number and deceased’s information to the Next-of-Kin for downloading the digital death certificate.
Step 2: Obtain a Digital Death Certificate
- Visit My Legacy to download and securely store the digital certificate for easy access and sharing.
Step 3: Permit for Burial or Cremation
- Apply for a Permit to Bury/Cremate at www.eportal.nea.gov.sg.
Step 4: Placing an Obituary (optional)
- Consider placing an obituary in local newspapers as a public notice of the death.
Step 5: Arranging the Wake and Funeral
- Choose a location for the wake (home, funeral parlour, or void deck) and obtain necessary permissions:
- Town Council for void deck permits
- National Environment Agency for extended funeral wake permits
- Singapore Land Authority for private/landed property use (Temporary Occupation Licence)
- Funeral director handles logistics, approvals, set-up, prayers, etc. Refer to the Consumer Protection Guide by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for assistance.
Step 6: Preparing for Burial or Cremation
- Book burial or cremation date and time through relevant offices (phone, online). Check NEA for contact details and charges.
- Required documents:
- NRIC of the applicant and next-of-kin
- Original Death Certificate with the Permit to Bury/Cremate.
Step 7: Storage of Ashes/Scattering the Ashes at Sea
a) Storing the Ashes
- Options include home storage or government/private columbaria.
- To book a niche, provide NRIC and the original Death Certificate. Book online for government-managed columbaria or contact private columbaria directly.
b) Scattering the Ashes at Sea
- Choose the approved site 1.5 nautical miles south of Pulau Semakau.
- Contact the Port Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325-2488 for assistance on scattering ashes at sea. This can be done daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
