FAQ
1
How many days should the funeral be?
Funeral wakes in Singapore typically last between 3 to 7 days, depending on the family’s preferences and circumstances. Factors such as budget considerations and the arrival of overseas family members may influence the duration of the wake.
2
What should I do when a loved one passes away at home?
If your loved one passes away at home, you should contact the family doctor or a nearby doctor who is able to make a house call. Alternatively, you may contact our 24/7 helpline at +6587658250, and we will assist in arranging for a doctor to attend to your family.
Once the doctor has certified the passing, a digital death certificate can be obtained through the My Legacy portal. After receiving the death certificate, you may engage a funeral director to make the necessary funeral arrangements for your loved one’s final journey.
If the doctor is unable to certify the passing, the police will need to be contacted. The deceased will then be conveyed to the Mortuary@HSA in a police hearse, and the police will advise the family on when to proceed to the mortuary, usually on the following day.
3
Can I make the funeral more extravagant for my loved one
Yes, we provide customization from caskets to flower bouquets to special requests such as banners etc. Contact our support team for more specifics.
4
Where can funeral wakes be held?
Here are some locations for consideration:
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Void deck
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Multi-purpose hall
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Precinct pavilion
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Funeral parlour
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Private/landed property
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Place of worship
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State land
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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) carpark
If you are holding the wake at a Town Council-managed void deck, multi-purpose hall or pavilion, you will need to obtain a permit from your Town Council.
If you are holding the wake in a private/landed property and need to use part of the road outside, you will need to seek approval from the Land Transport Authority and apply for a Temporary Occupational Licence (TOL) from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). A TOL fee applies. In addition, if there is going to be a road closure due to the wake, you will also need a permit from the Traffic Police.
Similarly, you will need to apply for a TOL from SLA and pay a TOL fee if you wish to use state land.
For a wake to be held in a URA carpark, you will need to apply for the use of parking lots from URA.
5
Is embalming required for all funeral services?
Embalming is not legally required in Singapore. However, it is often recommended if the family wishes to hold a wake with viewing opportunities for relatives and friends.
The embalming process helps preserve your loved one’s appearance in a natural and dignified state throughout the wake. Due to Singapore’s warm and humid climate, the condition of the body may deteriorate more quickly without embalming, which can make viewing unsuitable over time.
6
What are the available options for storing my loved one’s ashes?
You may choose to store your loved one’s ashes at either a government-managed or private columbarium in Singapore. The two government-managed columbariums are the Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex and the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium. Bookings for niches at these columbariums can be made online or by visiting the respective booking offices in person.