Planning a funeral in Singapore involves many moving parts, from legal requirements to cultural customs and practical logistics. When you are grieving, it is easy to overlook important steps. This comprehensive checklist organises every task by phase so you can work through them systematically, ensuring nothing is missed during an already difficult time.
Phase 1: First 24 Hours After Death
The first day is the most critical. Several time-sensitive tasks must be completed before funeral arrangements can begin.
Get the Death Certified
- If the death occurs at home (natural causes), call the family doctor or nearest clinic to certify the death and issue a Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)
- If the death occurs at home (unexpected or suspicious), call the police at 999 immediately
- If the death occurs in hospital, the attending doctor handles certification
- If the death occurs outdoors or in a public place, call 995 (ambulance) or 999 (police)
Death Registration
- Deaths are automatically registered online once a doctor certifies the death (since May 2022)
- Download the digital death certificate via the MyLegacy@LifeSG portal (mylegacy.life.gov.sg) using Singpass within 30 days
- No fee is required for death registration or the digital death certificate
- Note the death certificate number for future reference
Contact a Funeral Director
- Call a funeral director as soon as possible to begin arrangements
- The funeral director will coordinate transport of the deceased to the mortuary or wake venue
- Discuss initial preferences: faith tradition, estimated duration, venue type
- Ask about package inclusions and full cost breakdown
Initial Family Decisions
- Decide on the faith tradition for the funeral (Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Catholic, Soka, Freethinker, or other)
- Choose the venue type: HDB void deck, funeral parlour, landed property, or religious institution
- Determine the wake duration: 1, 3, 5, or 7 days depending on faith and family preference
- Identify a primary point of contact for coordinating with the funeral director
For detailed guidance on these initial steps, see our guide on what to do when someone dies.
Phase 2: Days 1-2 (Arrangement Phase)
Once the immediate steps are handled, the planning phase begins. Your funeral director will handle most of these logistics, but it helps to understand what is happening.
Confirm the Funeral Package
- Review and confirm the funeral package with your funeral director
- Ensure the package covers all essentials: casket, hearse, tentage/setup, embalming, cremation/burial fees
- Clarify what is included and what is additional (catering, flowers, obituary, religious officiant)
- Request a written quotation with a full line-item breakdown
Venue Booking
- Void deck: Funeral director or family books through the Town Council; bring NRIC and death certificate
- Funeral parlour: Reserve through the funeral director; confirm availability, daily rate, and amenities
- Landed property: Inform neighbours; apply for a Temporary Occupation Licence from SLA if setup extends to public areas
Permits and Paperwork
- Funeral director applies for Coffin/Casket Permit via NEA ePortal ($10)
- Funeral director applies for Permit to Bury or Cremate via NEA ePortal (free)
- If using a void deck, obtain the void deck permit from the Town Council
- If embalming is needed, the funeral director coordinates with a licensed embalmer
Religious and Ceremony Arrangements
- Arrange the religious officiant: monk, Taoist priest, pastor, priest, or imam
- Confirm chanting/prayer schedules for the wake period
- Discuss any specific ritual requirements with the officiant
- Prepare religious items (altar decorations, joss paper, incense, prayer materials)
Notifications
- Notify immediate and extended family members
- Contact close friends and colleagues of the deceased
- Inform the deceased's employer (to initiate any death benefits or insurance claims)
- Consider placing a newspaper obituary ($300-$1,000+) in the Straits Times or Lianhe Zaobao
Other Preparations
- Select and prepare photos of the deceased for the altar and photo montage
- Choose funeral flowers and wreaths
- Arrange catering for the wake (typically $15-$20 per person)
- Prepare the guestbook or condolence book
- Organise transport and accommodation for overseas relatives if needed
For a step-by-step planning walkthrough, see our guide on how to arrange a funeral.
Phase 3: During the Wake
The wake period requires ongoing coordination. While the funeral director manages logistics, the family plays an active role in hosting visitors and managing customs.
Daily Wake Management
- Ensure the altar and wake area are clean and well-maintained
- Coordinate with the catering provider for meals and refreshments
- Manage supplies: joss paper, incense, candles, tissue boxes, drinks
- Monitor tentage and equipment (fans, lighting, sound system)
Receiving Visitors
- Greet visitors and direct them to the altar to pay respects
- Accept bai jin (condolence money in white envelopes) and record contributions in the guestbook
- Prepare return gifts for visitors (traditionally a red thread, candy, or small towel)
- Ensure adequate seating and refreshments for visitors
Religious Rites
- Coordinate with the religious officiant for scheduled prayer and chanting sessions
- Ensure all ritual items are available and replenished as needed
- For Buddhist/Taoist wakes, manage joss paper burning at designated areas
- For Christian/Catholic wakes, coordinate hymn sessions and scripture readings
Family Vigil
- Family members traditionally keep vigil through the night (though this is flexible)
- Arrange sleeping and rest areas for family members staying overnight
- Coordinate shifts among family members for night vigil
Phase 4: Funeral Day
The final day involves the funeral ceremony, procession, and cremation or burial. Precise coordination is essential.
Morning Preparations
- Confirm the cremation slot timing with the funeral director (Mandai Crematorium operates on scheduled slots)
- Verify transport arrangements: hearse, family vehicles, bus for attendees
- Ensure all personal items to be placed in the casket are ready
- Prepare the eulogy or tribute (if not already done)
Funeral Ceremony
- Conduct the final religious rites and prayers
- Deliver eulogies and tributes
- Allow family and friends to pay final respects
- Seal the casket (timing varies by faith tradition)
Procession and Cremation/Burial
- Procession from the wake venue to the crematorium or cemetery
- For Buddhist/Taoist funerals, the procession may include specific rituals (circling the hearse, scattering paper offerings)
- At the crematorium, family witnesses the casket entering the furnace
- For burials at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, the graveside service is conducted
After the Ceremony
- Dismantling and cleanup of the wake venue (handled by the funeral director)
- Return any rented items (tables, chairs, tentage)
- Collect the ash collection slip from the crematorium (ashes are typically ready 1-2 working days later)
Phase 5: Post-Funeral Administration
The administrative tasks after the funeral can take several weeks to complete. Work through them systematically.
Ash Collection and Placement
- Collect ashes from Mandai Crematorium (bring the collection slip and deceased's NRIC)
- Book a columbarium niche for ash placement:
- Government niches: $500 (standard) or $900 (family) via NEA
- Private niches: $3,000-$200,000+ depending on facility
- Alternatively, arrange for sea scattering ($100-$800) or Garden of Peace ash scattering ($320)
- Some families choose to keep ashes at home (legal in Singapore)
For pricing details, see our guide to columbarium niche prices.
Death Certificate and Legal Matters
- Ensure the digital death certificate has been downloaded via MyLegacy@LifeSG
- Destroy the deceased's invalidated NRIC (punch a hole or cut it)
- Search for a will via the Singapore Academy of Law Wills Registry
- If a will exists, the named executor applies for a Grant of Probate
- If no will exists, a family member applies for Letters of Administration
- For estates under $50,000 with no will, contact the Public Trustee's Office for simplified administration
Cancel Accounts and Memberships
- Cancel or transfer mobile phone and broadband subscriptions
- Cancel utilities (SP Group) or transfer to surviving household member
- Cancel subscriptions (streaming services, magazines, club memberships)
- Notify banks and close or transfer accounts (accounts are frozen upon notification)
- Cancel credit cards and settle outstanding balances
- Deactivate SingPass account
- Notify IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) regarding tax matters
- Cancel insurance policies and submit claims where applicable
CPF and Insurance Claims
- CPF Board is automatically notified of the death for Singapore Citizens and PRs
- If the deceased made a CPF nomination, savings are distributed to nominees within 10 working days
- If there is no CPF nomination, savings go to the Public Trustee's Office for distribution under intestacy laws
- For un-nominated CPF, families can apply for up to $6,000 reimbursement for funeral expenses through the PTO
- Submit life insurance claims within the insurer's deadline (typically within 30 days)
- Check for any group insurance through the deceased's employer
For full details on CPF matters, see our guide on CPF withdrawal for funeral expenses.
Thank-You Notes
- Send thank-you cards to those who attended the funeral, sent flowers, or offered condolence money
- Tradition in Singapore is to send within 1-2 weeks of the funeral
- Include a brief message of gratitude; some families include a small token of appreciation
Complete Funeral Checklist Summary
| Phase | Key Tasks | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Death certification, death registration, contact funeral director, decide on faith/venue | Day 0 |
| Arrangement phase | Confirm package, book venue, arrange permits, notify family, arrange officiant | Days 1-2 |
| During wake | Manage visitors, coordinate catering, oversee religious rites, accept bai jin | Days 1-7 |
| Funeral day | Confirm cremation slot, conduct ceremony, procession, cremation/burial | Final day |
| Post-funeral | Ash collection, columbarium booking, cancel accounts, CPF/insurance claims, thank-you cards | 1-8 weeks after |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to handle all these tasks myself?
No. A funeral director handles the majority of logistics including permits, venue booking, transport, setup, and coordination with religious officiants. The family's primary responsibilities are making key decisions (faith tradition, venue, duration), notifying family and friends, and handling post-funeral administration.
What is the most time-sensitive task?
Getting the death certified. Everything else follows from the Certificate of Cause of Death. For Muslim and Hindu families, funeral arrangements are also time-sensitive as services are typically completed within 24 hours.
How long does the post-funeral admin take?
Post-funeral administration can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple tasks like cancelling subscriptions can be done within days, while estate distribution through the courts can take 6-12 months.
What if I forget something on this list?
Your funeral director is an experienced guide through this process. They will prompt you on critical items and handle most of the logistics. For post-funeral matters, the MyLegacy@LifeSG portal provides a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation.
Can I delegate tasks to different family members?
Absolutely. Dividing responsibilities among family members is common and practical. One person can handle notifications, another can manage catering and logistics, and a third can coordinate with the funeral director on ceremony details.
For related guidance, see our guide on after the funeral.