Answered: 5 FAQs about Burials in Singapore
With the rising land scarcity in Singapore, it can be difficult for families to plan a burial for their loved one. It can be even more difficult if your religious beliefs don’t permit cremation at all.
In this guide, we covered the most essential things you need to know about burying your loved one in Singapore, from the location to some rules about burials.
Where can I bury my loved one in Singapore?
Currently, the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery is the only one cemetery in Singapore that’s still open for burials.
The burial period for all graves is limited to 15 years. At the end of 15 years, the graves need to be exhumed.
Religions that allow cremation, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Catholicism, must transfer the remains to a columbarium. This is a structure or building that stores funerary urns.
For religions that don’t allow cremation such as Islam, the exhumed remains may be re-buried in smaller individual plots.
Who can be buried in Singapore?
Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents may be buried in Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. Foreigners may also be buried as long as their parents, spouse, or children are Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
What are the requirements for burial?
You need to supply these documents to the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Booking Office:
- Original death certificate
- Original permit to bury
- Proof of identity of next-of-kin and of the person applying for the burial (e.g. NRIC, passport, etc.)
- Letter of authorisation if applicant is not a next-of-kin
Bookings for burial can be made over the phone or in person at the booking office from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Sunday. Note that the office is closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
How much do burials cost?
For the burial plot alone, costs will vary depending on the deceased’s age, legal status in Singapore (i.e. citizens, permanent residents, foreigners), and the location of the plot, as detailed below:
Taken from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Updated as of February 2022. Foreigners may only be buried as long as next-of-kin is a Singapore citizen or PR.
Keep in mind that funeral/ceremony expenses will cost separately. You also need to shell out a separate budget for the tombstone.
Be sure to also set aside exhumation or cremation costs once the 15-year period is over.
Can I reserve a burial plot in advance?
No, you’re not allowed to reserve or pre-purchase a burial plot in Singapore.
The allocation of burial plots is strictly by sequential order. In other words, an applicant may only be allocated a burial plot on the day of the intended burial.
Moreover, the applicant won’t be allowed to choose any other burial plot apart from the one that’s assigned to them.