What to do after the death of a loved one (Hong Kong)

• Place of death(Hospital/Home/Institutional Institution/Public Place)
• Nature of death(natural death vs unnatural/unknown cause)

A. Instant processing (stabilize the program first)

• Confirm that doctors/hospital staff have processed the “death certificate” process: Natural death generally requires a doctor to issue a relevant certificate; if it is suspicious/accidental, a referral to the coroner is usually required.
• Ask about the location and arrangements of the remains: Where is the body currently, whether it can be transferred, and when it can be handed over to the funeral company (hospital mortuary/public mortuary/institutional home).
• Designate a primary contact person: Speak the same version to others to avoid family members from transmitting the wrong version to each other.
• Create "Required Information List"(Mobile phone memo is enough):
  • Deceased: Name (Chinese/English), ID number, date of birth, address
  • Main family members: name, phone number, ID card (commonly used when processing documents)
  • Religious/ritual preference (if any), preference for cremation/coffin burial, whether there is already a niche/cemetery/wishes

To avoid errors: Arrange cremation/ceremony in a hurry without knowing whether the death was unnatural; do not use the deceased’s ATM/online banking to use funds without authorization (estate/legal risks).

B. Contact the funeral company + decide the basic direction

• Contact the funeral company: You can only decide on the "remains transfer + the most basic service" first, and other details (mourning hall, ceremony, flower stands) will be decided later.
• Decide 3 things first(enough for the next step):
  1. Cremation and coffin burial (not 100% required to have direction first)
  2. Funeral parlour/hospital/simple farewell
  3. Religious ritual needs (Buddha/Taoism/Christ/God/no religion)
• Request quotation for specified items: Coffins, body processing, refrigeration, transportation, mourning hall rental, rituals, miscellaneous expenses, etc. Avoid adding items after the fixed price.

Commonly used entrances: Death registration at the Immigration Department｜ FEHD Cremation｜ FEHD coffin burial｜ 1823

C. Documents/Appointments/Notifications (do "required" first)

1) Death registration (natural death)

Death registration is generally required according to regulations; it is recommended to apply for multiple death certificates at the same time (banks/insurances/MPF/properties may require this). Official entrance:Death registration at the Immigration Department

2) If it is unnatural/unknown reason

Follow the coroner's procedure, during which an autopsy may be required; generally, cremation/burial cannot be arranged before the procedure is completed. Official entrance:Coroners (Judiciary)

3) Cremation/Coffin Burial: Make an "appointment" as early as possible

Cremation is common but there may be a waiting period during peak periods; the funeral company can assist in making reservations and submitting documents. FEHD:Cremation / Coffin burial

4) Ashes/Placement (if cremation confirmed)

If you prefer natural return/no waiting for a niche, you may consider green burial. Entrance:greenburial.gov.hk / Ashes at sea (FEHD)

5) Bank and funeral expenses (legal practice)

Do not use the assets of the deceased without authorization. HAD:Release of burial expenses funds； Judiciary：Probate Registry

D. One-page collection: the most commonly used official links