Confirm the deceased's wishes, ashes documents and relatives' participation needs, then apply for the chosen location and date through FEHD.
Compare the two application routes
Identify who holds the Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes. Overseas cremation or an application by someone other than the permit holder may require additional evidence or authority. Minimum submission periods are not a guarantee of the requested date; allow time for travel, boat places and family notifications.
| Arrangement | Application and minimum lead time | Location | Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEHD Garden of Remembrance | FEHB 219, electronic form or service platform; at least 14 days before the proposed date. | Approved garden, for example Diamond Hill, Tsang Tsui or Cape Collinson. | Family may scatter after registering, or ask FEHD staff to assist. |
| Scattering at sea | FEHB 198, electronic form or service platform; at least 10 days before the proposed date. | Approved designated Hong Kong waters. | Apply for the FEHD ferry or arrange a vessel; the applicant or authorised person scatters on board. |
Use current FEHD forms and conditions. Public-niche allocation is a separate process.
A simple farewell in a garden
FEHD gardens include Diamond Hill, Wo Hop Shek, Tsang Tsui and Cape Collinson. After approval, register at the selected site's office at the appointed time and follow staff directions. Relatives may use a scattering device themselves or ask staff to act. Tsang Tsui and Shek Mun gardens have farewell rooms for simple ceremonies; enquire about booking beforehand. Follow individual rules on items and incense. Check the approval letter, registration point and time. Have one relative keep the ashes, identification and permission together. Explain any permitted silence, prayer or remembrance to attendees, and remember a personal scattering device if one is being used.
At sea: only approved waters and arrangements
FEHD identifies waters east of Tap Mun, east of Tung Lung Chau and south of the West Lamma Channel. Its free ferry usually serves the latter two areas. A privately arranged vessel still requires advance approval and must follow the approved place and time. Consider seasickness, companionship and weather. Apart from approved ashes and a small quantity of fresh flower petals, do not throw food or offerings into the sea. Changes require contact with FEHD. Check ferry eligibility or vessel arrangements, meeting place, weather contingencies, approved date and waters, and the person authorised to scatter. Bring only permitted petals and items.
A family example and printable preparation sheet
Ms Wong's mother is concerned about seasickness. The family compares both ways of participating and confirms her preference for a garden before preparing the grandfather's documents. Record the deceased's wishes and selected option, location of the original ashes permit, FEHB 219 or 198 and submission date, approved place and date, attendees and scattering-device or vessel arrangements, approval letter and on-the-day contact. Keep one copy with the applicant so relatives receive consistent information.
Frequently asked questions
Can one form cover both options?
No. Gardens use FEHB 219 and sea scattering uses FEHB 198, with their respective evidence and timing requirements.
Can we choose any Hong Kong waters?
No. Only the designated and approved waters, date and time may be used. FEHD ferry routes and private-vessel options differ.
Can the family scatter ashes in a garden themselves?
Yes, subject to approval, registration and site instructions; staff assistance is also available.
What happens if the weather worsens?
Follow FEHD's advice about sailing changes. Contact it promptly if the approved date or time must change, and update all attendees.
Related guides
- Applying for a Public Niche in 2026: Monthly Allocation, Eligibility and Documents
- Burial in Hong Kong: Cemetery Applications and the Six-Year Rule
Official sources and further information
- Green Burial: official application and service information (Chinese)
- Green Burial: official application and service information (Chinese)
- Green Burial: official application and service information (Chinese)
- Green Burial: official application and service information (Chinese)
Contact Tim Fat Funeral
For help organising the next steps, contact Tim Fat Funeral on our 24-hour telephone 8209 9774 or WhatsApp 6238 4028. Share the family's wishes and confirmed arrangements so we can help coordinate the practical details. Religious rites should be agreed with the officiant; family and regional customs may differ.