Who Handles Funeral Permits?

For a burial or cremation in Singapore, next of kin can apply for the NEA permit or authorise someone such as the funeral director to apply on their behalf. Get the permit before booking a slot. A wake at a Town Council-managed void deck needs a separate permit from the council.

The NEA permit, facility booking and approval to use a wake venue are separate steps. Here is what to check for each.

Who applies for the NEA permit?

Next of kin can apply through the NEA ePortal or authorise someone, such as the funeral director, to apply.

Get the permit before booking a burial slot at a government-managed facility or a cremation slot. Check your facility’s booking requirements in NEA’s funeral arrangements guide.

What documents should the family prepare?

Keep the deceased’s identification ready for the doctor. Online certification automatically registers the death with ICA. An eligible relative or a person they authorise can download the digital certificate through LifeSG within 30 days.

If the digital certificate is unavailable, NEA accepts specified written confirmations for the permit application, such as a manual Confirmation of Death. Check the relevant application and ask the facility what you need for the separate booking.

Which approval applies to the wake?

Get a permit from the Town Council for a wake at a council-managed void deck, hall or pavilion. Ask about available spaces, dates, conditions and charges. See the void-deck wake guide for the booking steps.

If the wake continues more than seven days after death, get prior written permission from NEA.

What else needs separate coordination?

The hospital collection guide explains whom to ask about release. For repatriation, check NEA’s overseas requirements for the route.

After cremation, sea scattering and inland ash scattering have separate arrangements.

What to ask your funeral director

• Which permit or booking can you arrange, and what do we need to authorise?
• Which information do we need from the doctor, hospital or Town Council?
• Which charges are in the itemised quote?

Ang Brothers can guide you through the paperwork and help with the NEA permit when authorised. See the published funeral packages or call 9871 8388 for guidance.