When someone passes away, their family is often left to handle practical matters while coping with grief. One of the first responsibilities is ensuring the death is properly reported and recorded.
Since the Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBDA) 2021 came into effect on 29 May 2022, the way to report death in Singapore and register it has shifted toward a fully digital system. While the process is more streamlined now, it’s still important to understand the key steps involved.
This article will walk you through how to report death in Singapore, how to register a death, and what happens after that. You’ll also learn who is responsible, what documents are needed, and how to avoid common delays.
1. Notify A Doctor Immediately
When someone passes away, the first thing to do is report the death to a medical practitioner. This is legally required and should be done as soon as possible.
Reporting a death means informing a doctor so they can certify the cause of death. This is not the same as registration — that comes later.
Only after the doctor has issued the necessary death documentation can the Registrar-General begin the process to register the death.
2. Identify Who Must Report A Death
Reporting a death in Singapore depends on where the person died. Different people are responsible in different situations.
If the death occurs in a hospital, the hospital itself will report the death.
If the death happens at home or other premises, the responsibility falls on:
- Any relative of the deceased who was present, and
- Anyone living at the location who is aware of the death.
If someone dies onboard an aircraft, ship, or train bound for Singapore, reporting falls to:
- A relative who was present and knew of the death, and
- The captain or person in charge of the vehicle.
In any other location, it’s up to:
- A relative who knows of the death,
- Anyone present at the time, and
- Anyone who takes charge of the deceased’s body.
If more than one person fits these roles, the legal duty is fulfilled once any one of them reports the death.
3. Allow The Registrar-General To Register The Death
You don’t need to figure out how to register death in Singapore yourself. Once a doctor submits the cause of death details, the Registrar-General will automatically register it.
This process happens digitally, and quickly. There’s no need to go in person or fill out extra forms for standard cases.
4. Prepare For Special Cases, If Applicable
If the cause of death is unclear or suspicious, a Coroner’s Inquiry will be held. The death will only be registered after a Coroner’s certificate is issued.
5. Register Overseas Deaths Manually If Necessary
If a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident dies overseas and their body is brought back, the family must apply to the Registrar-General to register the death locally. This is one of the few cases where death registration is not automatic.
Registering The Death
Automatic Registration Of Death
In Singapore, the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 2021, specifically Section 24, states that the Registrar-General must register a death as soon as practicable.
This happens automatically once the cause of death and other details are submitted by a medical practitioner, pathologist, or forensic pathologist. If the death is investigated, registration takes place after the Coroner issues a certificate.
Family members do not need to apply for death registration themselves. This automatic process reduces stress and paperwork, allowing grieving families to focus on arrangements and emotional support without worrying about administrative delays.
What The Doctor Needs To Certify The Death
To complete the certification, the doctor must collect certain details about the deceased. These include:
- Full name
- Sex
- Identification document number (NRIC, FIN, or passport)
- Date and time of death
- Date of birth
- Place of death
- Cause of death
Once these are entered into the system, the death is officially recorded.
If the death happened in a hospital, the hospital doctor handles the certification. For deaths at home, a private doctor must be called in to complete the process.
In rare cases where the system is down, the doctor may issue a Confirmation of Death. This temporary document can be used for funeral arrangements until the online certification is completed.
Digital Death Certificate
After the registration, a digital death certificate is issued. This is the official proof of death and replaces physical certificates entirely.
Next of kin can download the certificate from the My Legacy website within 30 days. It’s best to save a copy for future use, such as estate matters or funeral arrangements.
To access the certificate, you’ll need:
- The death certificate number (or Confirmation of Death number)
- The deceased’s identification number
- The date of death
Only specific family members — such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling — are allowed to download the certificate.
Special Cases: Deaths Outside Singapore Or In Transit
If someone passes away outside Singapore, or in an aircraft, vessel, or train bound for Singapore, the death is not automatically registered.
In these situations, a relative must apply to the Registrar-General within three months to have the death registered. The attending doctor must still certify the death, but may be based either locally or overseas, depending on the circumstances.
Important Reminders
There is no fee for death registration or the issuance of the digital death certificate.
Also, once the death is registered, the deceased’s NRIC is automatically cancelled in the system. To prevent misuse, family members are advised to physically destroy the card — such as cutting it in half — after confirmation.
Funeral Arrangements
Basic Planning Steps
Once the death is certified and registered, funeral planning usually begins.
Most families choose to engage a funeral director. This professional helps manage logistics like body collection, embalming, venue setup, and coordination with burial or cremation services.
The funeral can be held at various locations, including a void deck, funeral parlour, or place of worship. Each location may have its own booking process and fees.
If the wake extends beyond seven days, permission must be obtained from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Supporting documents like the digital death certificate may be required.
Cultural And Religious Considerations
Funeral arrangements often reflect the beliefs and traditions of the deceased.
Whether it’s a Buddhist wake with chanting, a Christian service, or a Muslim burial within 24 hours, it’s important to align the arrangements with religious customs. Funeral directors can guide families through culturally appropriate procedures.
If the family chooses cremation, options include ash scattering at sea or inland or storing the ashes in a columbarium niche. Burial is less common and typically done at designated cemeteries.
Common Costs And Budget Tips
Funeral costs in Singapore vary widely. They depend on factors like duration, venue, ceremonial needs, and the choice between burial or cremation.
Typical expenses may include:
- Embalming and casket
- Funeral venue rental
- Floral arrangements and food catering
- Obituary notices and transportation
- Cremation or burial fees
These costs can range from around $1,300 to $8,400.
Payment can come from the deceased’s estate, insurance policies, or unnominated CPF savings. Claims from CPF funds are possible if there’s no nominee, up to a limit of $6,000, via the Public Trustee’s Office.
If needed, beneficiaries can also claim reimbursement from life insurance or arrange with banks to access the deceased’s funds after proper documentation is submitted.
Settling Affairs After Death
Once a death is registered, there are several follow-up steps families must handle. These tasks ensure that the deceased’s affairs are properly closed, and assets are legally distributed.
Notify Relevant Organisations
Start by informing the following institutions:
- Employer: Notify the deceased’s employer. Ask about final salary payments, benefits, or unused leave entitlements.
- Banks and Credit Card Companies: Inform all banks and close or freeze accounts. Withdrawals typically require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- Insurance Providers: Submit the digital death certificate to begin claims. Larger payouts may require probate documents.
- CPF Board: If the deceased made a CPF Nomination, funds will go directly to the nominees. Without a nomination, the Public Trustee’s Office will manage distribution under intestacy laws.
CPF savings include balances from the Ordinary, Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts.
Confirm If A Will Exists
A will outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed. If there is one, the named executor must apply for a Grant of Probate through the court.
Without a will, a family member must apply for Letters of Administration. This grants legal authority to manage and distribute the estate.
Understand The Probate Process
Here’s a simplified overview:
If there is a will:
- The executor applies for a Grant of Probate.
- Required documents include the death certificate, original will, identification, and asset list.
- Once granted, the executor gains access to the deceased’s estate.
If there is no will:
- A close family member applies for Letters of Administration.
- The court appoints an administrator, based on the order of priority in the Intestate Succession Act.
The duties of an executor or administrator include:
- Paying off debts and taxes
- Collecting and managing assets
- Distributing the estate according to the will or law
- Keeping full records for the beneficiaries
Final Distribution And Closure
Once all matters are settled, assets are distributed to the rightful beneficiaries.
This may involve:
- Selling or transferring property
- Accessing bank and insurance funds
- Closing subscriptions and utilities
- Handling CPF and tax matters
Executors and administrators must account to all beneficiaries, showing that everything has been fairly and properly handled before closing the estate.
Legal Consequences For Not Reporting A Death
Failing to report a death when you are legally responsible to do so is an offence. The law requires that the death be reported to a medical practitioner or the authorities as soon as practicable.
If a responsible person neglects this duty, they may face a fine of up to $1,500, a jail term of up to one month, or both, upon conviction. However, if any one responsible person reports the death, the obligation is lifted from the others.
Unlike birth registration, there is no penalty for not registering a death, as the Registrar-General handles this process automatically once the death is certified by a doctor.
Reporting And Registering A Stillbirth
The reporting and registration of a stillborn child follow the same rules as a death in Singapore. This means the process must be initiated as soon as practicable, and the same responsibilities apply to those present or in charge.
The medical practitioner will certify the stillbirth, and the Registrar-General will register it automatically. The individuals responsible for reporting are determined by where the stillbirth occurred—similar to other death cases.
Penalties for not reporting also apply. If those responsible fail to report it, they may face fines or jail time. However, as with other deaths, there is no penalty for not registering, since registration is handled by the authorities once certification is complete.
Conclusion About How To Report Death In Singapore
Reporting a death in Singapore is a time-sensitive responsibility that begins with notifying a doctor and ends with the automatic registration of the death by the Registrar-General. Understanding who must report, what documents are required, and how the digital death certificate works can help families manage this process smoothly during a difficult time.
Need support navigating the legal steps after a death? Our best family lawyers offer practical guidance on how to report death in Singapore and handle related estate matters with clarity and care. Let us help you take the next step with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Report Death In Singapore
Who Is Responsible For Reporting A Death In Singapore?
It depends on where the death occurred. Hospital staff, relatives, or persons present may be responsible.
How Soon Must A Death Be Reported?
A death should be reported as soon as practicable after the person has passed away.
Where Do I Report A Death That Happened At Home?
You should contact a licensed doctor to certify the death before it can be reported and registered.
Do I Need To Register The Death Myself?
No, the Registrar-General will automatically register the death once it’s certified online by a doctor.
Where Can I Get The Death Certificate?
You can download the digital death certificate from the My Legacy website within 30 days.
What Happens If I Fail To Report A Death?
You may be fined up to $1,500 and/or jailed for up to 1 month if you’re legally responsible and fail to report it.
