What should I do if a family member or friend dies overseas?
Information on what MFA can and cannot do if a family member or friend dies overseas.
Last updated 26 November 2025
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Please get in touch with the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or the MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800. You may also refer to the Guide for bereaved families [PDF, 255 KB].
What MFA can do
Notify the next of kin of the death.
Provide a list of undertakers for reference.
The Singapore Government and Singapore Overseas Missions do not vouch for the undertakers’ service or reliability.
Next of kin should contact the undertakers directly for costs and other logistical and administrative arrangements.
Liaise with foreign authorities, where necessary.
Help transfer funds from the next of kin to the undertaker.
This is possible only (a) in countries where there is a Singapore Overseas Mission and (b) if the next of kin cannot pay the undertaker directly.
What MFA cannot do
Investigate the death nor give legal advice.
Make a police report on the deceased’s family’s behalf.
Make insurance claims on the deceased’s family’s behalf.
Pay any outstanding bills or debts.
Pay for burial, cremation, repatriation, administrative and legal expenses.
Send personal items back to Singapore.
Interpret or translate documents in a foreign language into English.