Sep 18, 2026

How Does Direct Cremation Work in Singapore?

Direct cremation is a funeral arrangement in which the deceased is cremated without a traditional multi-day wake. The process involves death certification, collection and care of the deceased, cremation booking, transportation and ash collection.

This guide explains the main steps and how Singapore Funeral Committee can assist your family.

For immediate assistance, call 9844 8444 or WhatsApp our funeral director. Our team is available 24 hours a day.

For pricing and inclusions, read our direct cremation cost guide. Our Direct Cremation Package costs $1,100 in total, with no GST or additional charges for the package.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation focuses on the arrangements required to care for the deceased and complete the cremation without holding a traditional multi-day funeral wake.

Families may prefer this option for a simpler farewell or wish to organise a separate remembrance gathering later. Speak with our funeral director about your family’s wishes, including any prayer or private farewell.

Step 1: Complete Death Certification and Required Procedures

The death must be certified and the necessary documentation completed before cremation can proceed. The process depends on the circumstances of the death.

For a hospital death, hospital staff can explain the initial procedures. If the death occurs at home, seek guidance on the appropriate certification process. Where police or a coroner’s investigation is involved, follow the authorities’ instructions and wait for the necessary clearance.

Our team can help your family understand the next steps. You can also read our guide on how to download a death certificate in Singapore.

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Director

You can contact our funeral director for guidance while the initial procedures are being completed. Collection and subsequent arrangements will depend on the required documentation and release of the deceased.

Our funeral director will discuss:

• The location of the deceased and release arrangements
• The available documentation
• Your family’s preferred funeral arrangement
• Any religious or personal wishes
• The package inclusions and price
• The expected next steps

For help, call 9844 8444 or contact us on WhatsApp.

Step 3: Arrange Collection and Transportation

Once the deceased can be released, our team coordinates collection and transportation for preparation and care.

The collection arrangements depend on the location and any instructions from the hospital or relevant authorities. Our funeral director will explain what your family needs to provide.

Step 4: Prepare and Care for the Deceased

Our team prepares the deceased respectfully for cremation. Singapore Funeral Committee’s package includes cleansing, dressing and light makeup, together with a polished brown wooden casket.

Your family can discuss clothing and any personal or religious wishes with our funeral director before preparation.

Step 5: Book the Cremation Slot

Our team assists with booking the cremation slot and coordinating the cremation arrangements.

The schedule depends on the required documentation, release of the deceased and availability of a cremation slot. Our funeral director will confirm the arrangements and explain the timing to your family.

For venue information, see our Mandai North Crematorium halls and timings guide.

Step 6: Coordinate the Cremation-Day Farewell

Our team coordinates transportation and the practical arrangements on the cremation day. Funeral director assistance and casket bearers are included in our package.

If family members wish to attend or discuss a prayer or private farewell, tell our funeral director in advance. We will explain how your wishes can fit into the confirmed arrangements.

Step 7: Collect the Ashes

After cremation, the ashes are collected according to the crematorium’s arrangements. Ash collection service is included in our Direct Cremation Package.

Your family can discuss your wishes for the ashes and ask our funeral director for guidance on the next steps. Any subsequent arrangement should be discussed separately from the cremation process.

What Is Included in Our $1,100 Direct Cremation Package?

• Polished brown wooden casket
• Manpower and transportation
• Cleansing, dressing and light makeup of the deceased
• Photo enlargement with frame and passport-sized photos
• Booking of the cremation slot
• Mandai cremation fees
• Ash collection service
• Funeral director attendance and consultation
• Casket bearers on the funeral day

Total package price: $1,100. No GST or additional charges apply to the package.

View our Direct Cremation Package for the included services, or read our direct cremation cost guide for advice on comparing quotations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does direct cremation include a traditional funeral wake?

No. Direct cremation does not include a traditional multi-day wake. Families who wish to hold a wake can explore our funeral packages in Singapore.

How quickly can direct cremation be arranged?

Timing varies according to the circumstances, documentation, release of the deceased and cremation-slot availability. Our funeral director can explain the expected schedule after reviewing your case.

Can family members attend?

Speak with our funeral director about attendance. We will explain the confirmed schedule and arrangements for the cremation-day farewell.

Can we discuss a prayer or private farewell?

Yes. Tell our funeral director about your family’s wishes so we can discuss how they can fit into the cremation arrangements.

Can we hold a remembrance gathering later?

Yes. Families may choose to organise a separate remembrance gathering after cremation, according to their wishes.

Is ash collection included?

Yes. Ash collection service is included in Singapore Funeral Committee’s $1,100 Direct Cremation Package.

24-Hour Direct Cremation Assistance

Our funeral directors are available 24 hours a day to guide your family through the arrangements.

Call 9844 8444 or WhatsApp our funeral director.

Learn more about our direct cremation service in Singapore or view the $1,100 Direct Cremation Package.