82 Frequently Asked Questions About Funerals

For a natural death in hospital, a registered doctor makes the final diagnosis, establishes the cause of death and issues a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Form 18). If cremation is chosen, a Medical Certificate (Cremation) (Form 2) is also issued. Take these documents to a joint office for death registration and obtain the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 12, commonly called the ‘movement document’). For an unnatural death, notify the police immediately. You can also telephone a licensed undertaker to arrange collection of the deceased. Tim Fat Funeral answers calls 24 hours a day on 82099774.

Call the police immediately. Even where a person with a long-term illness dies at home, the death was not witnessed by a doctor, so police generally attend and notify the Coroner; the body is first taken to a public mortuary. The family can continue the arrangements once the Coroner issues Form 11, or a doctor issues the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death as directed.

If it is an accident, poisoning, violent death, or the deceased was not treated by a registered doctor before his death , the police must immediately notify the coroner to initiate an investigation, and the coroner will issue a " Certificate of Authorization for Burial/Cremation Order " ( Form 11 , commonly known as burial order or cremation order). Cremation, burial or body of the deceased's departure can only be arranged after obtaining Form 11. The overall time will be longer than that of ordinary cases.

Yes. According to the " Undertaker Regulations " ( Chapter 132CB ), those engaged in undertaking all or any business related to the cremation or burial of human bodies of the deceased are required to hold a valid undertaker licence issued by FEHD. When citizens apply for burial or cremation, must provide the information of the hired licensed undertaker on the application form, which must be signed by the undertaker's staff and stamped with a seal approved by FEHD.

FEHD will publish the " licensed undertaker premises list " and " licensed funeral parlour premises list ", which can be checked on the FEHD website. Please note that FEHD does not authorise any undertaker or undertaker to handle funeral matters . If anyone claims to be authorised by FEHD to handle the matter, they should report it to FEHD. In addition, a licensed undertaker from List B shall not store the deceased ashes in the licensed premises.

The sooner the better, but there is no need to panic. The hospital mortuary can temporarily hold the deceased while the family deals with the paperwork. A licensed undertaker can then arrange transfer to a funeral parlour mortuary or directly to the crematorium. Tim Fat Funeral provides 24-hour collection and transfer, including immediate arrangements when a hospital calls late at night.

Four things: 1. Cremation and burial ; 2. Religious ceremony (Taoism/Buddhism/Catholicism/Christianity/no religion, see Various religious ceremonies ); 3. setting up the mourning hall location ( funeral parlour, hospital-based funeral or hospital farewell ceremony); 4. burial location ( columbarium niche, cemetery or scattering ashes ). These four items determine the entire schedule and budget, and the rest of the details can be discussed later.

First settle three matters that cannot be delayed: death registration (natural deaths must be registered within 24 hours), arrangements for holding the deceased, and booking a cremation time slot. The religion, coffin grade and niche choice can be discussed afterwards. For irreversible decisions involving smoke-free columbaria or green burial, obtain agreement from all immediate family members first.

Yes. Under section 14 of the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, Cap. 174, deaths from natural causes must be registered within 24 hours, excluding travelling time, the period between sunset and sunrise, and general holidays as defined in the General Holidays Ordinance.

For a death from natural causes, visit a joint office. On Hong Kong Island, the address is 18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island Deaths Registry: 2961 8841). In Kowloon, it is 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po (Kowloon Deaths Registry: 2368 4706). For cases referred by the Coroner, or registration on Sundays and public holidays, visit the Births and Deaths General Register Office, 3/F, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway (2867 2784).

Death registration is free. A certified copy of a death entry, commonly called a death certificate, costs HK$140 locally or HK$275 overseas. Banks, insurers, MPF trustees, probate authorities and identity card cancellation procedures may require originals or certified copies, so consider requesting several copies at once.

A person registering a death in person at a Deaths Registry may pay HK$140 and collect a certified copy immediately. For applications made by other means, relatives may collect a copy from any district Births and Deaths Registry after three working days, on payment of the prescribed fee. For urgent collection, contact the General Register Office of Births and Deaths on 2867 2784.

Form 18 = Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (signed by a registered doctor); Form 2 = Medical Certificate (Cremation), signed by a doctor when cremation is selected; Form 12 = Certificate of Registration of Death (commonly known as Certificate of Registration of Death) ), issued after completing the death registration; Form 3 = Cremation Permit (commonly known as Cremation Permit), issued by the Department of Health Cremation Permit office; Form 11 = Certificate authorizing the burial/cremation order, issued by the Coroner in cases of unnatural death. There is also Form 10 for Certificate of Registration of Death for burial.

After obtaining the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 12) at the joint office, apply at the Department of Health’s Cremation Permit Office within the same premises for a Cremation Permit (Form 3). If the Coroner has issued Form 11, a separate Form 3 is not required.

Generally required: The applicant’s identity document , The deceased’s identity document , and The originals of Form 18 and Form 2 . The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes . If it is burial, in addition to Form 12, Form 10 (Certificate of Registration of Death for burial) will be issued after completion.

Current charges according to FEHD: Adult cremation $1,220 , Child cremation $650 , exhumed remains cremation $90 , Cremation certificate $140 . This is a statutory fee charged by the government and is uniform throughout Hong Kong. does not include service fees for coffins, hearses, mourning halls, rituals and undertakers.

FEHD has 6 under its jurisdiction: Chai Wan Cape Collinson (2556 1377), Wong Tai Sin Diamond Hill (2325 9996), Kwai Chung (2614 4390), Tai Wai, Sha Tin Fu Shan (2699 5090), Fanling Wo Hop Shek (2675 5200), Cheung Chau (2981 5177). Please note that " Tsang Tsui " has a memorial garden and columbarium, not a crematorium .

FEHD’s performance pledge is to make unallocated cremation sessions available within 15 days from the day after submission. Families may complete the Application for Private Cremation (FEHB 135) or authorise a licensed undertaker to book. Present the original Form 3 or Form 11, with copies of identity documents for the deceased, applicant and authorised representative. FEHD also offers an online service showing available sessions for the next 15 days.

It can be changed, but you must fill out the "Application Form for Cancellation of Cremation Time Slot" ( FEHB 264 ). The paid fee will not be refunded , and you must re-apply for the cremation time slot and pay again. Therefore, booking for funeral parlour and booking cremation time slot must be processed simultaneously . Do not book either one first.

Taking the cremation time of each session in Hong Kong's public crematorium as an example, the average is 2.5 hours . If relatives wish to watch the coffin entering the crematorium via closed-circuit television, they can inform the staff when they arrive at the crematorium to make arrangements.

On the 4th day after the cremation, the applicant or his authorised licensed undertaker can collect the ashes at the ashes collection point selected on the application form, and will be issued a " ashes collection permit " ( FEHB 153 , commonly known as Permit to Take Away Created Ashes). This document is necessary for future application for columbarium niche , ashes or ashes exit.

The current charges of FEHD are Adult burial $3,190 , Child burial $2,605 , Burial certificate $140 , burial urn (exhumed remains) Burial) or additional burial $6,305 per exhumed remains or ashes . When applying, you must fill in the "Application for Burial in a Public Cemetery" form ( FEHB 144 ) and bring the original of Form 10 (Certificate of Registration of Death for burial) or Form 11 .

Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (Ming Yin Road, Fanling, 2675 5296), Cheung Chau Cemetery , Tai O Cemetery and Mui Wo Lai Chi Yuen Cemetery . The latter three are only open to original residents of the Islands District or real residents who have long lived there and their minor children, and must submit Rural Committee certification documents . See exhumation for details. Cemetery .

Hong Kong’s land resources are tight, and coffin burial plots in public cemeteries are not permanent . After being buried for six years , the remains must be exhumed (commonly known as exhumation) to free up the cemetery for other families. Family members must fill out FEHB 148 to apply for the "Permit to Remove / Exhume Remains" ( $120 , $140 for replacement), and arrange the masonry contractor that has been registered by FEHD to proceed under the supervision of FEHD staff, and will be issued a "removal permit" upon completion. exhumed remains "authorisation letter" ( FEHB 150 ).

No. Exhumation of remains must be carried out by a masonry contractor registered with FEHD under the supervision of FEHD staff, otherwise FEHD has the right to refuse to provide cremation services or issue a relocation permit for the exhumed remains picked up. Self-exhumation or entrustment of unregistered persons will make subsequent exhumed remains unable to be processed legally .

FEHD will publish an announcement in the gazette and newspaper and send a letter requesting that the ashes be recovered within a specified time limit; if the ashes are overdue, FEHD will collect and cremate on their behalf, and bury the ashes in Sandy Ridge Cemetery . Once it is handled by the government, the family loses the right to choose the exhumed remains whereabouts, location and ceremony.

7 , all equipped with auditoriums and mortuary rooms for storing and processing the body of the deceased, and also hold undertaker licences , three of which are operated by non-profit organisations . They are Hong Kong Funeral Home (679 King's Road), Kowloon Funeral Parlour (1A Maple Street), Universal Funeral Parlour (all floors of No. 10-10A Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom), International Funeral Parlour (No. 8 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom), Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour (No. 181 Po Kong Village Road), Global Funeral Parlour (Hung Hom Block A and B, 6 Cheong Hang Road) and Po Fook Memorial Hall (1 Yau On Street, Shatin).

Hung Hom Public Funeral Parlour (6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom) is the only funeral parlour whose operating rights are awarded by FEHD tender. It was previously operated as Eternal Funeral Parlour and Sai Shing Funeral Parlour. The current FEHD operating agreement began on 1 May 2024, when Global Funeral Parlour, operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, commenced service. Sai Shing Funeral Parlour no longer appears on the official list.

It depends on the hall size, booking period and funeral parlour. A Consumer Council survey found that hiring a hall for 50–80 people through an undertaker, covering the vigil and funeral, cost about HK$6,500–HK$24,500. Note that most funeral package quotations do not include hall rental, so check this when comparing prices.

funeral parlour setting up the mourning hall You can rent the auditorium and mortuary, set up the mourning hall, the vigil, pay respects to the deceased, hold large-scale rituals and offer sacrifices to relatives and friends. It has the greatest flexibility and the highest cost. Hospital-based funeral is a simple farewell ceremony held in the farewell room of the hospital where the deceased died, and then the body of the deceased is sent directly to the crematorium or cemetery. Generally only applies to patients who died in the hospital , and is usually performed during office hours. hospital farewell ceremony The process is more streamlined and the overall cost is the lowest. There is also direct cremation without setting up the mourning hall .

Not necessarily. Common ones are the funeral procession on the same day (setting up the mourning hall in the morning, the funeral procession in the afternoon), the funeral procession the next day (setting up the mourning hall the vigil the night before, the funeral procession the next morning, the most traditional and common), and Setting up the mourning hall for many days (there are many relatives and friends, or we need to wait for overseas family members to return to Hong Kong). The schedule must match ’s scheduled cremation slot .

Generally: in the afternoon, the mourning hall is decorated, photos and floral tribute stands are placed → In the evening, the body of the deceased is moved from the mortuary to the auditorium, where it is completed, and the family members pay their respects first → In the evening, a religious ceremony is held → Relatives and friends arrive one after another to offer sacrifices, offer condolence money, and take back funeral return gifts and towels → Family members the vigil at night → The next morning enshrine, seal the coffin, and bid farewell → the funeral procession, the hearse goes to the crematorium or cemetery.

Eight considerations: Number of attendees and auditorium capacity , Transportation of relatives and friends , Religious needs (such as whether a quiet floor or Breaking the Hell Gate ritual space is required), Distance from the booked crematorium , Whether the optional schedule matches the cremation period , budget , whether the mortuary freezer is sufficient , and parking and location on the tour bus arrangements.

After the final farewell, the hearse takes the coffin to an FEHD crematorium or public cemetery; a coach can be arranged for relatives to follow. Departure must fit the booked cremation session. From the fourth day after cremation, ashes and the Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes (FEHB 153) can be collected at the collection office selected on the application.

The funeral master will complete it in one go. We call it the first seven and the last seven. The number of days is forty-nine days , including the first seven souls and the last seven souls (return to hell) . In ancient times, people would keep corpses at home for forty-nine days, waiting for their loved ones to rest in peace before burying them. During the forty-nine days of mourning, they were not allowed to go to anyone's home, so they would avoid people who saw someone having an affair for fear of causing bad luck. Modern funeral rituals are performed at the funeral parlour, including with filial piety, seven heads and seven tails, and Breaking the Hell Gate ritual .

"Returning to the Soul Night" is a Taoist ceremony. According to legend, the deceased missed his family before going to the underworld, and his soul will be accompanied by ghosts and ancestors back home from the ninth to the eighteenth day after the death of the deceased . According to the age, gender, date and time of death of the deceased, it can be estimated when the deceased soul will return home. On the night when the dead soul returns, the family members will have a banquet to say goodbye before the deceased goes on his way. The meal usually includes roast duck, vegetarian dishes and shelled cooked duck eggs ; according to tradition, if the soul of the deceased has returned, the mark of the deceased soul will be left on the surface of the duck eggs . Disposable tableware, cups and saucers and white plastic tablecloth will be used for the ceremony, and they will all be discarded after the time has passed.

There is no specific designation of rice wine or white wine for drinks. The deceased’s favorite wine (such as red wine) can be placed. The number of dishes is generally five , and can also include the deceased's favorite things, meat or vegetarian, depending on the habits or preferences of the host family and the deceased during his lifetime, but there must not be beef - because there will be cow head and horse noodles to bring the deceased back, and it is really disrespectful to have beef.

There is no fixed requirement for descendants or relatives to stay at the home to which the spirit is believed to return. At the appointed time, those present should remain in a room and not watch, as a sign of respect, to avoid encouraging the spirit to linger in the living world, and to avoid a spiritual clash.

Many people feel uneasy about funerals and may not attend unless the deceased was a relative or close friend. The bereaved family naturally appreciates those who make a special effort to offer condolences. However, according to the custom described here, avoid saying ‘thank you’; say ‘That is thoughtful of you’ instead, and do not see guests out when they leave. The traditional explanation is that a funeral is an unfortunate occasion, making ‘thank you’ inauspicious, while formally escorting someone out of a funeral parlour is associated with escorting the deceased and could be understood as an ill wish. A simple, polite goodbye is sufficient; let guests leave by themselves.

Funeral return gifts come in a white upright envelope with a red stripe down the middle and the Chinese name of the gift printed in blue. They contain a white towel, a sweet and a one-dollar coin to thank mourners. The towel is for wiping away tears; tissues are often used instead today. The sweet symbolises easing sorrow through sweetness and should be eaten that day; those who dislike sweets may taste it before discarding it. The coin is a token in return for condolence money and must be spent that day and not taken home, traditionally to avoid bringing ill fortune home.

Condolence money expresses respect for the deceased and helps the family meet funeral expenses. Traditionally, people add a one-dollar coin to a round amount for two reasons. An amount ending in “01” signifies “only once”. Also, subtracting the one-dollar coin received in the funeral return gift from a round amount would leave a total ending in nine, a symbol of lasting a long time. No one wishes bereavement to last, so adding one dollar means the net amount does not end in nine after receiving the return gift.

Everyone attending the funeral should fast and bathe on the day to show respect for the deceased. From some religious perspectives, it is also believed that vegetarian food can help alleviate the sins and pain of the deceased . If you really want to eat meat, avoid eating beef - because the ghosts in the underworld are all ox-headed horse noodles . Eating beef is equivalent to eating their own kind, which may anger them; always give them some face, so that they will not make things difficult for the deceased.

More precisely, Breaking the Hell Gate is one component of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage item ‘Traditional funeral rituals’, rather than a separately listed item. The first Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage inventory lists these rituals as item 3.54, covering deathbed chanting, Breaking the Hell Gate, buying water, placing the deceased in the coffin, conveying symbolic wealth, the final farewell, and post-funeral meals known as ying hung yin and gai wai jau. Breaking the Hell Gate also appears in various local Yu Lan Festival ceremonies. See Taoist and Buddhist services for arrangements.

Yes. On 14 August 2017, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong, covering 20 items, including Paper Crafting Technique. The official account describes objects made from bamboo strips, tissue and coloured paper, and silk, using paper crafting and painting skills. Common examples include ceremonial flower rockets, figures of the Ghost King, lanterns, dragons, lions, qilin (Chinese unicorns) and paper offerings. See our complete guide to paper offerings.

Post-funeral meal is a banquet held by family members after cremation or burial to thank relatives and friends and to remove bad luck . Traditionally, it is mostly vegetarian or designated dishes; post-funeral meal (also called post-funeral meal , Yinghong Banquet) is the banquet after the funeral, symbolizing that the funeral has ended successfully and life has returned to normal . Both are included in the "Traditional Funeral Ceremonies" (No. 3.54) on Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Traditionally, there is a taboo that pregnant women, young children and people who are having weddings should not attend to avoid conflicts. However, this is not a hard and fast rule . Many modern families have become more relaxed, depending on family habits and the wishes of the parties involved. If you have concerns, you can choose not to enter the mourning hall, pay your respects outside the door, or worship alone at other times.

Based on the principle of plain and simple , generally wear black, white, dark blue, dark gray and other dark clothes, and avoid bright colours, sequins, fancy patterns and red. Immediate family members will traditionally wear filial piety clothes or filial piety badges . Modest clothing in dark colours is also appropriate for Christian sabbath rites and Catholic memorial masses.

It depends on the religion. Taoist and traditional funerals usually involve incense and bows, commonly three. At a Buddhist funeral, you may join your palms and bow. Christian and Catholic funerals usually use flowers and silent prayer instead of incense. Follow the celebrant’s or family’s guidance, or observe those paying respects before you. Afterwards, a nod to the family is sufficient; there is no need to say much.

There are three main categories. Chinese coffins are classified by shape as Dou Ban, Hang Toi, Baat Dai and Lotus and are usually made of nanmu, beech, fir or mixed timber. Western coffins are usually made of mixed timber, teak or oak, with copper coffins also available; common trade descriptions are rectangular and olive-shaped. There are also eco-friendly cardboard coffins. For Western coffins, mixed timber is generally used for cremation and is less expensive, while teak, oak and copper are generally used for burial. Families of Catholic or Protestant Christian deceased people usually choose Western coffins. See our complete guide to choosing a coffin.

Coffins can be roughly divided into Chinese style, Western style and cardboard coffin. Cremation coffins should not be larger than height 710 mm / width 760 mm / length 1980 mm . The surface of the coffin should not be decorated with metal ornaments or plastic materials (such as PVC), and metal or plastic items should not be placed inside the coffin. We are happy to provide free professional advice (852) 82099774 Mr Wu.

FEHD recommends avoiding coffins larger than 710 mm (28 inches) high × 760 mm (30 inches) wide × 1,980 mm (78 inches) long. Actual limits differ between crematoria; check beforehand. Avoid external metal or PVC fittings, and do not place metal, plastic or valuable burial goods inside. Remove all external metal or plastic ornaments before cremation. The coffin must display the deceased’s name.

Under the Cremation and Gardens of Remembrance Regulation (Cap. 132M), remains will not be accepted for cremation at a government crematorium if the coffin: (a) contains metal fittings not considered suitable for cremation by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene; (b) has crosspieces or wedges fitted to its base; or (c) contains sawdust, charcoal, pitch, tar, raw cotton, metal, or another item or substance the Director considers unsuitable for burning in a cremator.

Yes. FEHD requires the environmentally friendly coffin provided by the licensed undertaker to meet the specifications: the main structure is made of cardboard or similar paper materials , free of chloride, plastic and metal ( except steel screws and U-shaped nails ); is impermeable both inside and outside ; use Water-soluble non-toxic paint ; The load-bearing capacity should not be less than 150 kg and it will not be significantly deformed due to the load. The Consumer Council has discovered that the environmentally friendly coffins on the market claim to have a load-bearing capacity ranging from about 114 to 200 kilograms . Among them, some service providers require less than 150 kilograms . When purchasing, you should ask for this to be stated in writing.

The general custom in Hong Kong is " even numbers for men and odd numbers for women ", that is, the number of men's clothing items is an even number, and the number of women's clothing items is an odd number. A common saying is that the deceased male should wear at least six pieces (long gown, mandarin jacket, single shirt, single trousers, underwear, underwear), the deceased female should wear at least seven pieces (jacket, pleated skirt, robe, single shirt, single trousers, underwear, underwear), as well as accessories such as shoes, socks, towels, hats, and fans. Women's clothing generally does not have hats . In addition to traditional styles, there are also burial clothing designed for Christians. See burial clothing for details.

Common items include one crane; one willow banner; one principal spirit tablet; one additional memorial tablet; two red and white banners; one bathing room; one home-viewing terrace; two maidservants; one gold bridge; one silver bridge; one Western-style safe; two large leather trunks; one basin of complete clothing; one gold mountain; one silver mountain; one Western-style house; one garden; one Wenming Bridge; and two sedan-chair bearers. Labour and furnace charges vary between funeral parlours. Other items can be made to order, such as massage chairs, large vehicles, sports grounds, aircraft and billiard tables.

The crane and willow flags are collectively called Crane and Willow Flags , that is, Soul-Calling Crane . The crane bites the colorful flags, which means that the deceased can " ride on the crane ". Wangxiang Terrace means the deceased looking back at the last part of the world . There are one gold bridge and one silver bridge . Crossing the gold and silver bridge symbolizes the deceased leaving the world and entering the stage of ascending to immortality ; the bereaved hold the spiritual flags (divided into the main recommended spiritual place and the additional recommended spiritual place), and follow the soul of the deceased under the guidance of Taoist ritual masters Crossing the Naihe Bridge . For detailed meanings of each item, please see full explanation of paper offerings .

It shouldn’t be. Paper offerings are ritually burned rather than placed in a coffin. FEHD points out that items made of metal or plastic materials or valuable burial objects should not be placed in the coffin; Some modern custom-made paper offerings are reinforced with metal wires . Do not put them into the coffin by yourself. If you wish to be buried with the deceased, you can take the gold and jade back as a souvenir and incinerate them with paper offerings instead.

A funeral floral tribute inscription generally has three parts: the upper dedication to the deceased, the central tribute (usually four Chinese characters; an odd number is recommended), and the sender’s name below. Traditionally it is set vertically, from right to left. Common honorifics are “Qiangu” (remembered forever) for men and “Lingyou” (in the presence of the spirit) for women; “Mingjian” and “Lingqian” are also used. For someone who died before the age of 60, “Qiangu” is generally omitted, leaving the deceased’s name and relationship.

The closer the relationship, the more sorrowful the dedication. For immediate family, such as a spouse or child, use “in tearful mourning”. For a tribute from a younger relative to an elder, use “bowing in mourning”, “in respectful mourning” or “with reverent condolences”. Friends and colleagues use “in respectful mourning”; a company or group may use “with respectful condolences from all of us”. Christians commonly use Brother or Sister for baptised believers instead of Mr or Ms.

Yes. The price of paper offerings and the venue’s burning charges are separate. Labour and furnace charges vary between funeral parlours. The venue generally charges separately for burning offerings, from just over HK$1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on the parlour and quantity. Before booking, obtain a written list of the items, quantities and venue charges for burning them.

FEHD has accepted applications throughout the year since 1 August 2026, with monthly allocation of renewable niches at four columbaria: Tsang Tsui in Tuen Mun, Wo Hop Shek Phase VI in Fanling, the new building at Cape Collinson in Eastern District, and Shek Mun in Sha Tin. Together they currently provide over 1,600 niches each month. Applications run from 9 am on the first day to 5 pm on the last day of each month. The ballot is at 10 am on the 20th of the following month, with results sent by SMS or email that day. Enquiries: 2841 9111.

Yes. An August 2026 direct investigation by The Ombudsman found that public niche applications submitted on paper or by email took an average of around 50 days to process. When the same applicant uses the online platform or form to apply for cremation and a niche for the deceased together, the system can approve them automatically within one day. FEHD also strongly recommends applying online.

Renewable Standard columbarium niche first 20 years $2,400 , renewable 10 years $1,200 ; renewable large columbarium niche first 20 years $3,000 , renewal for 10 years $1,500 ; memorial permission $90 ; additional copies of the deceased ashes in niche $140 . Starting from April 26, 2019 , all newly allocated public niches will be renewable niche , with an initial placement period of 20 years and subsequent renewal every 10 years.

No. All columbarium niches, regardless of their location or seat orientation on the same niche wall, will be allocated to the successful applicants by lottery and computer random public drawing . Applicants cannot choose by themselves. The lottery process will be videotaped and uploaded to the FEHD website, and 50 seats have been reserved on site for the public to witness on a first-come, first-served basis, without reservation.

Yes, and no waiting list is required. In January 2014, the FEHD removed the upper limit on the number of sets of ashes in a public niche. Additional ashes may be interred after approval if the deceased had a close family or personal relationship with the first deceased person placed there. Use FEHB 136A; the charge is $140 for each additional set of ashes. Before applying, check whether the family already has a niche.

The area where the incense-free niche is located does not have facilities for burning incense and candle offerings . When offering sacrifices, flowers, fruits must be used instead. Shek Mun columbarium is completely incense-free ; Chinese Permanent Cemetery Tseung Kwan O Cemetery Section A39 and the new niche of Shung Hau Hall are all incense-free spots ; Tsang Tsui, Wo Hop Shek Phase 6 and Cape Collinson Xinxia Ze has both banned and non-scented niches . If the family has a habit of burning paper offerings, priority should be given to non-scented seats when selecting seats.

The Private Columbaria Ordinance (Cap. 630) establishes a licensing system. Operators must obtain a licence, exemption or temporary suspension of liability. Only licensees may sell or newly let niches. Check the Register of Private Columbaria on the Regulation of Private Columbaria website, www.rpc.gov.hk. Unlawful operation or improper disposal of ashes is punishable by a maximum fine of HK$5 million and seven years’ imprisonment. See private columbarium niches for details.

Both are possible. The law permits ashes of no more than 10 deceased people to be kept at home. FEHD also provides temporary storage of ashes: Kwai Chung Crematorium accepts only ashes bags, while Wo Hop Shek Crematorium accepts only urns. Storage periods are three, six or 12 months, renewable on expiry, at HK$80 per month after the first two months. Use form FEHB 251.

Scattering ashes at sea is permitted in three designated Hong Kong waters: east of Tap Mun, east of Tung Lung Chau, and south of West Lamma Channel. Submit FEHB 198 at least 10 days before the intended date; approval normally takes 5 working days. A free ferry service is available. For scattering ashes in a Garden of Remembrance, submit FEHB 219 at least 14 days beforehand; approval normally takes 10 working days. People can also record their wishes in advance on the Central Register for Green Burial (FEHB 278; enquiries: 2562 7130).

BMCPC Tseung Kwan O Cemetery Section A39 and Shung Hau Hall A total of approximately 72,400 new columbarium niches are allotted in phases, are all prohibited incense niches . In 2026 The third phase is Shung Hau Hall (first and second floors) There are about 12,000 renewable family niches , and the subscription fee is $16,000 (renewal is $8,000 every 10 years, and each additional share is ashes $300), the application period is from 9:00 am on October 5, 2026 to 6:00 pm on November 6 , and the lottery is at 2:30 pm on December 1, 2026 , Allotment starts on December 31 . The allocation of is not on a first-come, first-served basis and is determined by computer drawing.

Depends on the method. Based on Hong Kong market public information in 2026, simple hospital-based funeral or hospital farewell ceremony plan starts from approximately HK$11,888 to HK$16,800 ; traditional funerals held at funeral parlour generally range between HK$30,000 to HK$80,000 ; large or high-profile funerals can reach more than HK$200,000 . The price difference mainly comes from setting up the mourning hall location, setting up the mourning hall time, coffin level, religious scale and additional items .

There are four cost categories: 1. Undertaker’s supplies and services (coffin, burial clothing, paper offerings, floral tribute stands, transfer of the deceased, encoffining, make-up, hearse, funeral workers and coaches); 2. Funeral parlour venue charges (hall or mourning room hire, refrigerated mortuary storage and burning offerings); 3. Statutory government charges (cremation HK$1,220, burial HK$3,190, niche HK$2,400, death certificate HK$140, etc.); 4. Religious ritual fees (number of officiants, sessions and hours). Before comparing quotations, establish who charges for each category.

Not necessarily. The Consumer Council studied 48 funeral packages and found that all packages include booking government cremation services for customers, but only 41 of them package fees include crematorium service fees (adults $1,220, children $650), the remaining 7 do not. This fee. You must ask each item clearly before finalizing.

According to the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) guidelines released in April 2026 , the maximum burial grant amount is HKD 17,870 . If the recipient unfortunately dies, the relatives and friends in charge of the funeral arrangements can apply to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) if necessary. The applicant must apply and submit the required documents within six months after the recipient’s death. SWD 24-hour hotline 2343 2255 .

Documents required to receive CSSA welfare benefits: 1. The deceased death certificate and ID card 2. The official receipt from the funeral company 3. A copy of the recipient’s ID card 4. A copy of the recipient’s bank account book . Tim Fat Funeral special funeral services starting from 8,800 , query: 62384028 Mr Wu. For details, please see CSSA application .

Yes. If the family breadwinner dies unexpectedly or suddenly, causing difficulties in family life, you can seek assistance from Social Welfare Department (SWD) , or you can seek help from Charitable Trust Fund or Emergency Relief Fund managed by SWD. In addition, Global Funeral Parlour ’s basic funeral service charge shall not exceed the CSSA burial grant amount ; according to FEHD information, Kowloon Funeral Parlour, International Funeral Parlour and Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour also provide similar services.

A specific procedure is available. Family members may apply to withdraw funds from the deceased’s personal bank account to meet funeral expenses or living expenses for people whom the deceased supported during their lifetime. Contact the Home Affairs Department’s Estate Beneficiaries Support Unit on 2835 1535.

Common tasks include cancelling the deceased’s Hong Kong identity card, notifying banks and dealing with frozen accounts, arranging probate, applying to the trustee to withdraw MPF accrued benefits, and making death claims with insurers. Also notify the Inland Revenue Department, pension providers, Housing Department or Housing Society, utilities and telecommunications providers, as applicable. We recommend obtaining several certified copies of the death certificate in advance.

There are a number of support services in Hong Kong: St. James' Settlement Life and Death Information Network (2831 3230), Caritas Hospice Service Hong Kong (2117 0707), Hospice Career Counseling (2331 7000), Hong Kong Community Organization Association (2361 6606), Anglican Church Guardian Angel (2362 0268), Hong Kong Community Organization Association (2713 9165) and Friends of Rongguangshe Sunset (2763 9944).

Yes, and it's becoming more common. You can make a will , register " Green Funeral Central Registration List " (form FEHB 278 , query 2562 7130) to express your wishes, and express your wishes to your family in advance Ceremonial form, coffin and burial location . This will not only put your mind at ease, but also prevent your family from fighting over the decision at the saddest time. Tim Fat Funeral offers free pre-life planning consultations .

Our company handles the entrance and exit of bodies of the deceased/ashes, including handling of death certificates, embalming treatment, consular appointments, insect-proof wooden boxes, cargo/passenger aircraft slots , etc. The entire process will be followed up by professionals, please call us for inquiries: (852) 82099774 .

The required document is the Permit for Removal of Dead Body from Hong Kong (Form 9). After registering the death, apply to the Immigration Department’s Deaths Registry at the joint office, obtaining and completing SF/BDR/3 at the counter. Applicants must produce originals and copies of the destination cemetery’s burial authorisation and the documents permitting import of the body. The application is free.

" Human Corpse Import Licence ", application form is DH2437 , issued by Department of Health Port Health Section ( is not FEHD ), based on " Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation ( Chapter 599A ). Air transport Import to the airport group (Room 5T577, Airport Passenger Terminal Building, 24 hours ); Land transport To the headquarters (100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Landmark East Room 1101, 11th Floor, AIA Kowloon Building, Tel 3904 9316 ); Sea route Apply to the Harbor Department. This form is also applicable to application for re-export of corpses in Hong Kong .

Bringing ashes into or out of Hong Kong currently requires no permit from the Hong Kong Government. Some countries require a Certificate of Cremation and a permit to remove ashes. Apply using FEHB 143 and FEHB 148 respectively at FEHD’s Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office. The cremation certificate costs HK$140. Note that importing uncremated skeletal remains requires an application using DH2437.

Applicants must bring the deceased’s hometown return certificate, ID card and “ Certificate of Registration of Death ” (Form 12) and other documents. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs regulations in mainland China, contact the “ China Funeral Association International Corpse Transportation Network Service Centre "Go through the necessary procedures; then you must contact the Hong Kong licensed undertaker or funeral parlour to handle the transportation of the body of the deceased. Tim Fat Funeral can handle all shipping arrangements.

We provide a truly one-stop funeral service, One list, one price, a full set of services, and no miscellaneous fees will be charged . Including handling all relevant documents, death certificate, cremator, entrance and exit to the cemetery, Chinese and Western coffins, rituals, mourning hall, hearse, funeral workers, make-up, tour bus, post-funeral meal, etc. See service scope for details.

Yes. Tim Fat Funeral is a Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) licensed undertaker . The store number is located in G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong . It is listed in the licensed undertaker premises list published by FEHD. Members of the public can go to FEHD on their own. Web page review.

We are based at G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, in the heart of Hung Hom’s traditional funeral services district, within walking distance of Universal, International and Global Funeral Parlours. The FEHD Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office is on the same street. Our everyday service covers Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, Ho Man Tin, Whampoa, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong, as well as other Kowloon districts. We also handle cases across Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and overseas or mainland destinations.

Yes. Tim Fat Funeral provides 24-hour phone support and body of the deceased pick-up arrangements, phone 82099774 , WhatsApp 62384028 , Mr Wu 24-hour answering . Whether you receive a notification from the hospital late at night and need to visit immediately, or you just want to know the procedures and charges first, you can contact us at any time.

Enquiries: Mr Wu, 82099774. Address: G/F, 26 Baker Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. 24-hour telephone: 82099774 | WhatsApp: 62384028 | Fax: 35999637 | Email: timfatfuneral@gmail.com. We itemise everything in writing, giving families time to check before deciding. For directions, see Contact Us.