Registering Death of Foreigner in Hong Kong: A Step by Step Process

 Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a death certificate in Hong Kong, based on the official processes outlined by the Hong Kong government:

1. 1.Report the Death: he death must be reported to the Births and Deaths General Register Office or a designated police station (if the death occurs outside a hospital or institution) within 24 hours.Either relatives, friends or hospital staff can report it.
2. Details Needed to report Death: Official full name, date of death, place of death, identification of death (HKID or passport etc.)
1. Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death: If the death occurs in hospital, it is issued by the attending doctor or the hospital where the death occurred. (Form 18). This document is crucial for the formal registration process.
2. If death occurs outside hospitals, the body need to be taken to a public mortuary for examination. A coroner may investigate if the cause of death is unnatural, unknown, or suspicious. If so, the process may be delayed until the coroner issues a Certificate of Order of Burial/Cremation.
3. Registration of Death: you need to visit the Births and Deaths General Register Office in Hong Kong to officially register the death. It's advisable to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times.

Hong Kong Island Death Registry: 18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Kowloon Death Registry: 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

4. During the appointment, you'll need to present following documents:

• the Medical Certificate of cause of death (Form 18)
• the coroner’s certificate, If applicable
• (for unnatural deaths).
• the deceased's identity card or passport, and
• any other relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate if applicable.
• Fee: NO FEE. Registration is FREE.
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5. Death Certificate: Once the death is registered you'll receive a Death Certificate, which is essential for handling the deceased's affairs, such as arranging the funeral, closing bank accounts, or settling estates.

• Remember that if the death occurred under unusual circumstances, it might require a coroner's investigation, which could delay the registration process.

6. For a certified copy of Death Certificate:

1. Applying for a Certified Copy:
   • You can request a certified copy of the death certificate at the same time or later.
   • Fee: HK$140 per certified copy (as of current pricing).
   1. How to Apply:
      • In person at a Deaths Registry.
      • Online via the GovHK portal (requires registration and payment).
      • By mail (send application form, payment, and supporting documents to the registry).
2. Processing Time:
   • In-person: Immediate or within a few days.
   • Online/Mail: Around 5-7 working days, depending on delivery.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can navigate the process with greater ease and focus on honoring your loved one's memory.

• (for unnatural deaths).
• the deceased's identity card or passport, and
• any other relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate if applicable.

Fee: NO FEE. Registration is FREE.

7. Death Certificate: Once the death is registered you'll receive a Death Certificate, which is essential for handling the deceased's affairs, such as arranging the funeral, closing bank accounts, or settling estates.

Remember that if the death occurred under unusual circumstances, it might require a coroner's investigation, which could delay the registration process.

8. For a certified copy of Death Certificate:

• Applying for a Certified Copy:
  • You can request a certified copy of the death certificate at the same time or later.
  • Fee: HK$140 per certified copy (as of current pricing).
  • How to Apply:
    • In person at a Deaths Registry.
    • Online via the GovHK portal (requires registration and payment).
    • By mail (send application form, payment, and supporting documents to the registry).
• Processing Time:
  • In-person: Immediate or within a few days.
  • Online/Mail: Around 5-7 working days, depending on delivery.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can navigate the process.






For Burial or Cremation

• Burial or Cremation: You’ll need the Certificate of Registration of Death to arrange burial or cremation. Apply for a burial permit or cremation booking through the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).

For Overseas Use: If the death certificate is needed abroad, you may need to have it legalized or apostilled. Contact the High Court Registry or a notary public for this process.

For transportation of Mortal Remains: 

Mortal remains can be flown to another country through commercial airlines. They will handle the paperwork once you present them the deceased person’s details, death certificate, receiving person’s details and approval and charges.

HERE’S A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR TRANSPORTING MORTAL REMAINS FROM HONG KONG TO A HOME COUNTRY

Step 1: Arrange for Preparation of the Remains

• Funeral Home: Engage a licensed funeral service provider in Hong Kong (e.g., A&G Logistics or local undertakers) to handle the preparation. They’ll coordinate:
  • Embalming: Required for transporting a body (not ashes). An embalming certificate from a recognized professional is needed.
  • Coffin: The remains must be placed in a hermetically sealed, leak-proof coffin (often zinc-lined) suitable for air transport.
  • Cremation (Optional): If you prefer to transport ashes, arrange cremation through the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). You’ll need a cremation certificate instead of an embalming one.
• Cost: Embalming and coffin preparation can range from HK$20,000–HK$40,000; cremation and urn may be HK$5,000–HK$10,000, depending on services.

Step 2: Obtain a Permit for Removal

• Where: Apply at the Deaths Registry for a Permit for the Removal of a Dead Body from Hong Kong.
• Documents Needed:
  • Death certificate.
  • Embalming certificate (for a body) or cremation certificate (for ashes).
  • Identification of the deceased (e.g., HKID or passport).
• Fee: Free of charge.

Note: For exhumed remains or ashes, additional permits may be required from the 

FEHD’s Cemeteries and Crematoria Office.

Step 3: Secure Permission from the Destination Country

• Contact: Reach out to the embassy or consulate of the home country in Hong Kong to confirm their requirements. Common needs include:
  • A Consular Mortuary Certificate or equivalent, issued by the consulate.
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) or import permit from the home country’s authorities.
  • Translation of the death certificate into the home country’s language (if not English/Chinese).
• Health Requirements: Some countries require a “No Infection Certificate” confirming the deceased did not die of a contagious disease.

Step 4: Arrange Transportation

• Method: Air transport is standard for international repatriation.
  • Body: Must be shipped as cargo in a sealed coffin. Airlines like Cathay Pacific or American Airlines have specific protocols (e.g., “Compassion” services).
  • Ashes: Can be shipped as cargo or carried as hand luggage (in a secure urn, with documentation).
• Booking: The funeral home typically coordinates with the airline as a “known shipper.” Provide:
  • Flight itinerary.
  • Consignee details (name, address, phone of the receiving party in the home country).
  • All permits and certificates.
• Cost: Transporting a body can range from HK$30,000–HK$60,000 (depending on distance and airline fees); ashes are cheaper, often HK$5,000–HK$15,000.

Step 5: Coordinate with Receiving Country

• Funeral Home at Destination: Arrange for a local funeral home to receive the remains, clear customs, and handle final arrangements (burial, cremation, etc.).

• Customs Clearance: Provide all documents (death certificate, permits,  embalming/cremation certificate) to the receiving funeral home or customs officials. Some countries may require additional health inspections.

  Step 7: Monitor and Finalize

  • Tracking: Ensure the funeral home provides updates on the shipment’s progress.
  • Timeframe: Natural deaths may take 1–2 weeks for full repatriation; unnatural deaths (e.g., requiring coroner investigation) could take 1–2 months due to additional legal processes.

  Useful Links:

  Hong Kong Island Death Registry:

  18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai.

  Kowloon Death Registry: 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan

  Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

  • The Hong Kong Immigration Department (hotline: 2824 6111) or
  • Indian Consulate at (852) 3970 9900