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If a Singapore citizen or permanent resident had died overseas, the next of kin should register the death and get a death certificate from the foreign authorities in the country where the person had died. 

The deceased's next of kin will then need to report the death to ICA Registry of Births and Deaths. The reporting can also be done by a proxy with a letter of authorisation from the deceased's family.


Documents Required
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You will need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English), as well as copies of the documents for ICA to retain.

ICA accepts:

  • Translations provided by the embassy of the country/ place that issued the document
  • Translations produced by a notary public in Singapore or the country/ place that issued the document
  • Privately created translations attested by the embassy of the country/ place that issued the document, or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the country/ place that issued the document.

ICA does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. Insufficient documentation may result in non-acceptance of your application. You may be required to provide additional documents to support your application.


You will need to provide the following documents:

  • Your identification document (Identity Card (IC), passport or citizenship certificate)
  • Death certificate issued by the foreign authorities or a certified true copy of the death certificate
  • Deceased’s identification documents (Singapore IC, Singapore passport or citizenship certificate)
  • Coffin import/ export permit (if available)
  • Burial/ cremation permit (if available).

An English-translated copy certified by a Notary Public will be required for any document that is issued in other languages. Please click on the tooltip (exclamation mark "!" above) for more details.


Procedure

You may report the death and submit the required documents via the link: https://go.gov.sg/ica-report-overseas-death.

Alternatively, you can email the required documents to ICA_DPU_RBD@ica.gov.sg, or submit them by post or in person at:

Registry of Births and Deaths
Citizen Services Centre
ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Level 3
Singapore 208718
(next to Lavender MRT station)

Operating hours are 8.00 am - 4.30 pm on Monday to Friday, and 8.00 am - 12.30 pm on Saturday.

Longer-than-average waiting times are to be expected on the following peak times:

  • Monday, Friday, Saturday
  • School holidays
  • The day before or after a public holiday.

Fees

There is no fee for reporting a death.


Processing Time

The reporting of death will be processed within one working day upon receipt of all required documents stated above (refer to "Documents Required").

You may be called for an interview if further clarification is required. An acknowledgement letter or email will be issued once the processing is completed.