Most of us live in constant pursuit of happiness. Be it keeping up with the latest fashion and iPhone, or retiring early with a beautiful home fully paid, we seem to put retirement as our finishing line.
But have we ever wondered what comes after retirement?
While financial planning is important for the most part of our lives, it is equally important to look at the costs of death (“touch wood!”)
A Step-by-Step Guide to Funeral Services in Singapore
We compiled a step-by-step guide, to what comes after life and the costs involved for the wake and funeral.
- Preparation of your untimely demise
- Step-by-step guide: What to do when someone passes away?
- Checklist of the decisions to make for the wake and funeral
- The ultimate comparison: Cost of funeral
- Rates for placing an obituary in Singapore
- Compilation of contacts of funeral directors in Singapore
Ā Preparation for Your Untimely Demise
While death is a taboo subject for many, we are starting to realise that planning our funeral services beforehand can help ease the load on your family members.
The benefits of being open and transparent with your family member about your funeral include:
- Less emotional stress for your loved ones after your passing since everything is planned
- Reduces unnecessary disputes and arguments amongst your family pertaining to decisions for the funeral
- Allows you to plan financially for your own funeral effectively
Here are 5 steps that you can arrange for before death:
- Deciding on a Funeral Director
- Deciding on the details of the wake
- Making a will
- Making CPF nomination
- A discussion with your direct family members
1. Deciding on a Funeral Director
A Funeral Director is a professional that helps take care of your funeral arrangements. He will be the go-to guy upon your passing if arrangements have been made.
We have attached a list of Funeral Directors in Singapore below for your convenience.
2. Deciding on the Details of the Wake
Once you have decided on the Funeral Director, it is good to make known the essential information to him to better facilitate the planning process of the funeral.
Some useful information will be the budget which you are looking at, your religion, your favourite flowers, casket and also other possible information. By having these details tied down prior to death can help ease the stress on your family. Family members usually have a short period of time to plan and prepare for the funeral, while dealing with the loss of their loved one.
Details such as the venue of the wake, photo-taking of the funeral photo and clothes you want to be wearing should be settled too.
3. Making a Will
A will is an official arrangement for someone to receive part or all of your money and property after your passing.
In order for a will to be valid, here are some pointers to note:
- The will must be made written
- The person who wrote the will must be at least 21 years old
- The person who wrote the will must sign at the bottom of the will
- 2 or more person must witness the person signing the will and must also sign to indicate that they have witnessed it
- The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will or spouses of the beneficiaries
Writing a valid will can get quite complicated so we can consider hiring a professional like a lawyer to take care of it. OCBC and MoneyOwl are some platforms that we may approach to get our will done.
If you’re opting for a lawyer to draft your will for you will range fromĀ $200 to $500 depending on its complexity.
4. Making a CPF Nomination
A CPF nomination allows us to specify who will benefit from their CPF savings and the amount our beneficiaries receive upon our demise. As CPF savings are not covered under our will, it is important to make a CPF nomination.
If there’s no CPF nomination made, the CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trusteeās Office and distributed according to the rules in the Intestate Succession Act. And that is super leh chey (troublesome)!
5. Have a Discussion With Your Direct Family Members
Once all the above are in place, it is time for us to have an open discussion with our family members on our liabilities if any and also assets.
Here is some helpful information to tie down:
- Make known to them where they can find the necessary documentation to locate your assets upon your passing
Imagine having a will so well hidden that no one can ever find – that totally defeats the purpose of having a will!Ā - Decide who in the family will be in charge of ensuring that all your wishes are carried out accordingly – this includes your funeral home
- Some may even go to the extent of having a contact list of who to be informed of your passing should it happen
Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do When Someone Passes Away
Depending on the location of the death, is it in the hospital, at home, or overseas, each has its set of necessary steps to take.
Steps to take when death occurs in the hospital/ home
- Step 1: Obtain Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) in the hospital
If the doctor at the hospital can certify the cause of death and the cause is natural, the doctor will fill up the Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD). - Step 1: Obtain Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) at home
Contact the doctor or any neighbourhood doctor that is willing to take a house call to certify the death.
The rest of the steps are similar
- If the cause of death unknown
If the doctor is unable to certify the cause of death, call the police to have the body sent to Mortuary@HSA (Singapore General Hospital, Block 9) - Step 2: Contact a funeral director
If there is already one assigned, simply contact the relevant Funeral Director. If not, the family will need to engage one.
The funeral director will collect the body, send the body for embalming and deliver to the location of the wake. - Step 3: Register the death
The family can register the death at any Police station or the Registry of Births and Deaths.
Additional information:
Mortuary@HSA operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am ā 4:30pm
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 8:00am ā 12:30pm
Things to bring to Mortuary@HSA:
- All medical documents related to the deceased
- All medicine consumed by the deceased
- NRIC or Passport or Birth Certificate or FIN card of deceased.
Registry of Births and Deaths:
3rd floor, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road S(208718)
Tel: 6391 6100
Working hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Monday – Friday), 8:00am – 1:00pm (Saturday)
Things to bring to Registry of Births and Death/ Police Station:
- Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)
- NRIC or Passport or Birth Certificate or FIN card of deceased.
Steps to take when death occurs overseas
- Step 1: Register with the foreign authorities
- Step 2: Application for a coffin (import) permit. A funeral director will know the steps to this.
- Registering the death will be the same as the above.
Checklist of the Decisions To Make For the Wake and Funeral
Find the checklist, we found a really comprehensive one on Nirvana Columbarium:
General Preparations
- Prepare a contact list including names and phone numbers of persons you wish to have notified of your death or a medical emergency.
- Decide on the person who will be responsible to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
- Assemble information for the obituary, including biographical details and where the obituary should appear.
- Select a funeral home.
Funeral Home Services
- State, in writing, the type of disposition you would like i.e. burial or cremation
For Burial
- Select the burial plot location.
- Select burial vault.
- Choose preferred casket type i.e. made of wood, metal, or composite materials.
- Choose preferred burial garments.
For Cremation
- Choose preferred cremation casket/container type i.e. made of wood, metal, or composite materials.
- Select the cremation urn type.
- Decide what to do with the ashes.
- Select the cremation plot location.
- Choose the type of service i.e. religious, celebration of life, memorial service.
- Choose family viewing or visitation.
- Choose a floral arrangement i.e. type, colour.
- Select a photograph to be displayed.
- Select music and hymns.
- Select pallbearers.
- Make arrangements for transportation.
The Ultimate Comparison: Funeral Package Price List
As various religions go through a different type of ritual and require different types of religious services, it is important to compare them separately for better comparison.
How much does a Buddhist Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NTUC Income | $3,780 - $4,680 | 3 Days: $3,780 5 Days: $4,680 |
| Singapore Bereavement Services | $5,200 - $6,200 | 3 Days: $5,200 5 Days; $6,200 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $5,388 | 3 Days: $5,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Funeral Solutions | $5,588 - $6,088 | 3 Days: $5,588 4 Days: $5,838 5 Days: $6,088 |
| Singapore Funeral Group | $5,588 - $6,088 | 3 Days: $5,888 5 Days: $6,088 Any additional day at $250 |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | $5,680 - $8,580 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $5,680 3 Days: $5,880 4 Days: $6,080 5 Days: $6,280 6 Days: $6,480 7 Days: $6,680 Parlour: 2 Days: $6,080 3 Days: $6,580 4 Days: $7,080 5 Days: $7,580 6 Days: $8,080 7 Days: $8,580 |
| Casket Fairprice | $5,680 - $8,580 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $5,680 3 Days: $5,880 4 Days: $6,080 5 Days: $6,280 6 Days: $6,480 7 Days: $6,680 Parlour: 2 Days: $6,080 3 Days: $6,580 4 Days: $7,080 5 Days: $7,580 6 Days: $8,080 7 Days: $8,580 |
| Comfort Casket | $5,880 - $6,880 | HDB Void Deck: 3 Days: $5,880 5 Days: $6,280 7 Days: $6,880 |
| Direct Funeral Services | $5,888 | - |
| Simplicity Casket | $6,400 - $9,872 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $6,400 3 Days: $6,570 4 Days: $6,570 5 Days: $6,932 6 Days: $7,100 7 Days: $7,280 Parlour: 2 Days: $6,662 3 Days: $7,272 4 Days: $7,922 5 Days: $8,572 6 Days: $9,222 7 Days: $9,872 |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | Only Christian Funeral | |
How much does a Taoist Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NTUC Income | $3,780 - $4,680 | 3 Days: $3,780 5 Days: $4,680 |
| Singapore Bereavement Services | $6,500 | 3 Days: $6,500 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $7,388 | 3 Days: $7,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Singapore Funeral Group | $7,588 - $8,088 | 3 Days: $7,588 5 Days: $8,088 Any additional day at $250 |
| Casket Fairprice | $7,780 - $10,680 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $7,780 3 Days: $7,980 4 Days: $8,180 5 Days: $8,380 6 Days: $8,580 7 Days: $8,780 Parlour: 2 Days: $8,180 3 Days: $8,680 4 Days: $9,180 5 Days: $9,680 6 Days: $10,180 7 Days: $10,680 |
| Funeral Solutions | $7,880 - $8,280 | 3 Days: $7,880 4 Days: $8,080 5 Days: $8,280 |
| Direct Funeral Services | $8,288 | - |
| Comfort Casket | Not provided | |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | Only Christian Funeral | |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Only Buddhist Funeral | |
| Simplicity Casket | - | |
How much does a Christian Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NTUC Income | $3,780 - $4,680 | 3 Days: $3,780 5 Days: $4,680 |
| Singapore Bereavement Services | $3,800 - $4,500 | 3 Days: $3,800 4 Days: $4,150 5 Days: $4,500 |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | $4,000 - $9,500 | |
| Comfort Casket | $4,300 - $5,700 | 3 Days: $4,300 5 Days: $5,000 7 Days: $5,700 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $4,388 | 3 Days: $4,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Simplicity Casket | $4,581 - $8,098 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,581 3 Days: $4,761 4 Days: $4,941 5 Days: $5,111 6 Days: $5,291 7 Days: $5,471 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,848 3 Days: $5,498 4 Days: $6,148 5 Days: $6,798 6 Days: $7,448 7 Days: $8,098 |
| Singapore Funeral Group | $4,588 - $5,088 | 3 Days: $4,588 5 Days: $5,088 Any additional day at $250 |
| Casket Fairprice | $4,680 - $7,380 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,680 3 Days: $4,880 4 Days: $5,080 5 Days: $5,280 6 Days: $5,480 7 Days: $5,680 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,880 3 Days: $5,380 4 Days: $5,880 5 Days: $6,380 6 Days: $6,880 7 Days: $7,380 |
| Direct Funeral Services | $4,999 | - |
| Funeral Solutions | $7,880 - $8,280 | 3 Days: $7,880 4 Days: $8,080 5 Days: $8,280 |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Only Buddhist Funeral | |
How much does a Catholic Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NTUC Income | $3,780 - $4,680 | 3 Days: $3,780 5 Days: $4,680 |
| Singapore Bereavement Services | $3,800 - $4,500 | 3 Days: $3,800 4 Days: $4,150 5 Days: $4,500 |
| Comfort Casket | $4,300 - $5,700 | 3 Days: $4,300 5 Days: $5,000 7 Days: $5,700 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $4,388 | 3 Days: $4,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Simplicity Casket | $4,581 - $8,098 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,581 3 Days: $4,761 4 Days: $4,941 5 Days: $5,111 6 Days: $5,291 7 Days: $5,471 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,848 3 Days: $5,498 4 Days: $6,148 5 Days: $6,798 6 Days: $7,448 7 Days: $8,098 |
| Singapore Funeral Group | $4,588 - $5,088 | 3 Days: $4,588 5 Days: $5,088 Any additional day at $250 |
| Casket Fairprice | $4,680 - $7,380 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,680 3 Days: $4,880 4 Days: $5,080 5 Days: $5,280 6 Days: $5,480 7 Days: $5,680 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,880 3 Days: $5,380 4 Days: $5,880 5 Days: $6,380 6 Days: $6,880 7 Days: $7,380 |
| Direct Funeral Services | $4,999 | - |
| Funeral Solutions | Only Buddhist and Taoist Funeral | |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Only Buddhist Funeral | |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | Only Christian Funeral | |
How much does a Soka Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Bereavement Services | $3,800 - $4,500 | 3 Days: $3,800 5 Days: $4,500 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $4,388 | 3 Days: $4,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Singapore Funeral Group | $4,588 | 3 Days: $4,588 |
| Casket Fairprice | $4,780 - $7,580 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,780 3 Days: $4,980 4 Days: $5,180 5 Days: $5,380 6 Days: $5,580 7 Days: $5,780 Parlour: 2 Days: $5,080 3 Days: $5,580 4 Days: $6,080 5 Days: $6,580 6 Days: $7,080 7 Days: $7,580 |
| Comfort Casket | Does not do Soka Funeral | |
| Simplicity Casket | Does not do Soka Funeral | |
| NTUC Income | Does not do Soka Funeral | |
| Direct Funeral Services | Does not do Soka Funeral | |
| Funeral Solutions | Only Buddhist and Taoist Funeral | |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Only Buddhist Funeral | |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | Only Christian Funeral | |
How much does a Non-Religious/ Freethinker Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Casket | $4,200 - $5,600 | 3 Days: $4,200 5 days: $4,900 7 Days: $5,600 |
| Entrust Funeral Service | $4,388 | 3 Days: $4,388 Any additional day at $250 |
| Simplicity Casket | $4,581 - $8,098 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,581 3 Days: $4,761 4 Days: $4,941 5 Days: $5,111 6 Days: $5,291 7 Days: $5,471 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,848 3 Days: $5,498 4 Days: $6,148 5 Days: $6,798 6 Days: $7,448 7 Days: $8,098 |
| Casket Fairprice | $4,680 - $7,380 | HDB Void Deck: 2 Days: $4,680 3 Days: $4,880 4 Days: $5,080 5 Days: $5,280 6 Days: $5,480 7 Days: $5,680 Parlour: 2 Days: $4,880 3 Days: $5,380 4 Days: $5,880 5 Days: $6,380 6 Days: $6,880 7 Days: $7,380 |
| Singapore Bereavement Services | Upon request | |
| Singapore Funeral Group | Upon request | |
| NTUC Income | Probably upon request | |
| Direct Funeral Services | Upon request | |
| Funeral Solutions | Only Buddhist and Taoist Funeral | |
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Only Buddhist Funeral | |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services | Only Christian Funeral | |
How much does a SameĀ Day Cremation Funeral Package cost in Singapore?
| Funeral Home | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrust Funeral Service | $1,300 | - |
| Casket Fairprice | $1,300 | - |
Rates for Placing an Obituary in Singapore
Placing an obituary on a local publication is a traditional way to inform the public of the passing of somebody. This is in hope of getting the attention of someone who might have lost contact with the deceased.
Here are the rates for placing an obituary in any of the local publication:
| Publications | Obituaries (Rate per Col cm) | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| The Straits Times | S$63 | - |
| The Sunday Times | S$63 | - |
| Lianhe Zaobao | S$40 | - |
| Lianhe Wanbao | S$25 | Joint Rates with Lianhe Zaobao: S$19 |
| Shin Min Daily News | S$25 | Joint Rates with Lianhe Zaobao: S$19 |
| Berita Harian | S$20 | Joint Rates with The Straits Times/ Sunday Times: S$15 |
| Berita Minggu | S$20 | Joint Rates with The Straits Times/ Sunday Times: S$15 |
Note: a minimum of 5cm x 2 col for Chinese publications and 3cm x 1 col for English/Malay publications is required.
Compilation of Contacts of Funeral Directors in Singapore
Here’s the list of Funeral Directors in Singapore and their contacts for your convenience:
| Name of funeral director | Address | Contact number |
|---|---|---|
| 1Stop Buddhist Funeral Services | Blk 37 Sing Ming Drive #01-573 Singapore 575711 | 6452-9588 |
| 24 Hours Direct Casket | Blk. 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2718 Singapore 339696 | 6296-5051 or 9119-5051 |
| All Saints Care Services | 127 Lavender Street Singapore 338735 | 6341-7117 or 9637-9909 |
| Ang Chin Huat Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2724 Singapore 339696 | 6292-4376 or 9862-3026 |
| Ang Chin Moh Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2724 Singapore 339696 | 6226-3333 or 9862-3026 |
| Ang Yew Seng Funeral Parlour | Blk 38 Sin Ming Drive #01-537/543 Singapore 575712 | 6456-8557 or 9780-1526 |
| Budget Casket and Funeral Services | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-569 Singapore 575711 | 6456-5195 or 9839-2613 |
| Casket Company Embalming & Funeral Services Pte Ltd | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-575 Singapore 575711 | 6456-7423 |
| Casket Fairprice | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-571 Singapore 575711 | 6455-9909 or 6458-9909 |
| Chye Seng Undertaker | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1343/1345 Singapore 319056 | 6251-2833 or 9638-5720 |
| Direct Funeral Services Pte Ltd | Blk 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2718 Singapore 339696 | 6555-1115 or 9771-6477 |
| Direct Singapore Funeral Services & Embalming | 127 Lavender Street Singapore 338735 | 6297-7117 or 9637-9909 |
| Flying Home Pte Ltd | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1345A Singapore 319056 | 6253-0001 or 9030-1000 |
| Goh Soon Moh Undertaker | Blk 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2728 Singapore 339696 | 6292-4783 or 9628-8178 |
| Hindu Casket | Blk 88 Geylang Bahru #01-2718 Singapore 339696 | 6222-4444 or 9222-4444 |
| Hosanna Bereavement Services Pte Ltd | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1333 Singapore 319065 | 6352-7797 or 9760-2279 |
| Lee Teoh Heng Undertaker | Blk 87 Geylang Bahru #01-2706 Singapore 339695 | 6299-1049 or 6294-0274 |
| Mount Vernon Sanctuary Pte Ltd | 121 Upper Aljunied Road Singapore 367878 | 6285-4111 |
| Roland Tay Undertaker | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-573 Singapore 575711 | 6294-8588 or 9637-9909 |
| Serbaguna Muslim Funeral Services & Contractor Pte Ltd | Blk 78 Geylang Bahru #01-2910 Singapore 339686 | 6440-8471 or 9634-7145 |
| Serenity Casket | Blk 89 Geylang Bahru #01-2736 Singapore 339697 | 6289-6689 or 9618-6689 |
| Simplicity Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-575 Singapore 575711 | 6456-7423 |
| Sin Eng Hin Undertaker | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1341 Singapore 319056 | 6251-1922 or 9815-6786 |
| Singapore Casket Co. Pte Ltd | 131 Lavender Street Singapore 338737 | 6293 4388 |
| Singapore Funeral Services | Blk 3 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1347 Singapore 319055 | 6841 4666 or 9683 7725 |
| Singapore International Casket | Blk 78 Geylang Bahru Industrial Estate #01-2910 Singapore 339686 | 6546 0307 or 9634 7145 |
| Singapore Muslim Casket and Marble Contractor Pte Ltd | Blk 78 Geylang Bahru #01-2910 Singapore 339686 | 6440 7259 or 9623 2464 |
| Sin Ming Funeral Parlour | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-577/581 Singapore 575711 | 6456 8989 |
| Telok Kurau Pengurusan Jenazah | Blk 78 Geylang Bahru #01-2910 Singapore 339686 | 6298 1897 or 9623 2464 |
| Tong Aik Undertaker | 127 Lavender Street Singapore 338737 | 6455 3832 or 9637 9909 |
| Trinity Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 38 Sin Ming Drive #01-527/531 Singapore 575712 | 6451 4496 |
| Union Casket | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1329 Singapore 319056 | 6353 8449 or 9118 8449 |
| Western Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1345A Singapore 319056 | 6253 0001 or 9030 1000 |
| World Casket Pte Ltd | Blk 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-571 Singapore 575711 | 6457 2112 |
| Wu Fu Funeral Parlour | Blk 4 Toa Payoh Lor. 8 Toa Payoh Industrial Park #01-1329 Singaproe 319056 | 6353 8449 |
Source: National Environment Agency
If you have the time, it would be great to read up on reviews before deciding on one.
