This page is organized together Government departments, application forms, official websites and hotlines that can be "actually used" after the death of a loved one in Hong Kong, suitable for family members to follow directly.
1. Death registration and certification documents
- Death Registration (Immigration Department)
Registration period: natural death must be processed within 14 days
Website: Immigration Department: Death Registration
2. Unnatural Death/Coroner
- Coroner’s Court (Judiciary)
Cases involving accidents, unknown causes, suicides, etc.
Judiciary Information
3. Cremation, coffin burial, cemetery (FEHD)
- Cremation application and crematorium information
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department information - Coffin and cemetery information
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department information
4. Columbarium Arrangement and Green Burial
- Overview of green burial (memorial garden, scattering ashes at sea)
Green funeral information - Ashes at sea (FEHD)
For application qualifications, required documents and shipping schedule, please refer to the official website of Green Funeral.
Green funeral information
5. Government application and form platform
- 1823 One-stop government services
Cremation, cemetery, ashes scattering reservations and inquiries
Official information - Food and Environmental Hygiene Department electronic form
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department information
6. Inheritance, banks and fund release
- Certificate of Release of Funds for Burial Expenses (Home Affairs Department)
Legally release the deceased’s bank funds to pay for funeral expenses
Home Affairs Department: Heritage Support - Probate Administration (Probate Office of the High Court)
Probate / Letters of Administration
Judiciary Information
7. Social Welfare and Subsidies
- Social Welfare Department (CSSA Burial Allowance)
Applicable to eligible persons
Official information
8. Important reminder
- Do not withdraw the deceased’s bank deposits without authorization
- All legal documents must be completed before cremation
- Do not arrange your own funeral for unnatural death
Customs vary between families and faiths; follow the bereaved family’s wishes. Check the relevant government department for current procedures, fees and application requirements.
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