【Burial Knowledge】Hong Kong Application Procedures, Services, and Fees at a Glance

In Hong Kong, earth burial remains a traditional funeral method deeply trusted by families. Although cremation has gradually become more popular in modern society, the concept of "resting in peace in the earth" (入土為安) is still deeply rooted in the hearts of many. This article will explore every aspect of the burial procedure in depth, detailing burial fees and the differences between public and private cemeteries. We aim to provide families with the most accurate information on burial services and processes, assisting you in making the most suitable arrangements for your loved ones.

The Significance of Earth Burial and the Current Situation in Hong Kong

Earth burial involves placing the deceased's body in a coffin and burying it in the ground, symbolizing "resting in peace in the earth." This method not only satisfies the needs of traditional rituals but also provides descendants with a physical place for worship and remembrance.

However, in a place like Hong Kong where land resources are scarce, families must clearly understand the long-term responsibilities before choosing burial. Public cemeteries are not permanent resting places; they have a burial term of 6 years. After this period expires, families must arrange for "exhumation" (picking up the bones), a process that requires psychological preparation and an additional budget.

Burial Application Procedures and Flow at a Glance

Applying for a burial involves several statutory procedures. First, you need to obtain the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 12) and a Burial Permit, or a Certificate of Order Authorizing Burial of Body (Form 11) issued by the Coroner. Next, you need to choose a suitable burial site, budget for funeral costs, and decide on the Vigil location and the date of the funeral procession.

The entire burial procedure can be handled by a licensed undertaker on your behalf. They will assist you in completing all application formalities, including paying fees and submitting relevant documents. This allows you to focus on holding a solemn and meaningful funeral for the deceased.

Burial Application Workflow

• Prepare Documents

  • Copy of the applicant’s HKID card.

  • Original HKID card of the deceased.

  • Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Form 18) issued by the attending doctor.

• Apply for Burial Permit

  • When applying for the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 12, commonly known as the "Provisional Death Certificate"), you will simultaneously be issued a Burial Permit (Form 10).

• Arrange the Grave Plot

  • Relatives need to contact the office of the chosen cemetery to book the burial date (government cemeteries can arrange this for you). If you wish to bury in a private cemetery, contact the relevant cemetery office directly to confirm plot availability and fees.

    
    

Due to the complexity of burial procedures, most families commission a Licensed Undertaker (Funeral Home) to handle it. Professional burial services include assisting with documentation, arranging the hearse, transporting the coffin, and coordinating the interment with cemetery workers, allowing the family to focus on the funeral rituals.

Hong Kong Burial Fees

Burial fees vary immensely depending on whether you choose a "Public Cemetery" or a "Private Cemetery." Here are the current market reference prices:

Cemetery Type	Public Cemetery (Govt. Operated)	Private Cemetery (Private/Religious Groups)
Plot Fee	Adult: Approx. HK$3,190	HK$21,600 to HK$418,880+
Burial Term	6 Years (Must exhume bones)	Permanent or Fixed Term (Depends on contract)
Budget Summary	Relatively affordable, but not permanent	Expensive, but allows permanent rest

The above lists only the plot fees. Additional costs for the coffin, tombstone, and funeral services must be calculated separately. These costs vary depending on the family's choices, ranging from frugal to lavish. Furthermore, if considering placing the deceased in a columbarium niche later, prices also rise with demand. Government-run niches cost HK$2,490 for the first 20-year term, while private niches can range from HK$500,000 to HK$1,000,000.

Choosing Between Public and Private Cemeteries in Hong Kong

Finding a suitable burial plot often depends on the family's budget and whether there is a need to permanently store the deceased's ashes in the same place. Families have two main choices: Public Cemeteries managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), or Private Cemeteries operated by private organizations or religious bodies. There is a world of difference between the two in terms of fees, burial tenure, and eligibility.

Public Cemetery Options

Hong Kong has several public cemetery plots managed by the FEHD, including: Hong Kong Cemetery, So Kon Po Mount Caroline Cemetery, New Kowloon Cemetery No. 8 (Diamond Hill Urn Cemetery), Stanley Prison Cemetery, Wo Hop Shek Cemetery, Cheung Chau Cemetery*, Tai O Cemetery*, Lai Chi Yuen Cemetery, and two cemeteries located at Sandy Ridge.

While these public cemeteries offer burial options, they are not permanent, and plots in many cemeteries are already saturated. According to the orders gazetted annually by the FEHD, the remains of the deceased buried in public cemeteries must be exhumed after six years. The bones must be collected and arranged for niche interment or scattering of ashes. If the bones are not collected, the government will cremate them and place them in the Sandy Ridge Cemetery communal grave.

• Tai O Cemetery: 

  To apply for a plot in Tai O Public Cemetery, you must obtain a certification letter from the local Rural Committee beforehand, along with the original and a copy of a statutory declaration made by the deceased's legal representative or next of kin.

  
  

• Cheung Chau Cemetery: 

  Similar to Tai O, applying for Cheung Chau Public Cemetery requires a certification letter from the local Rural Committee and a statutory declaration from the legal representative or next of kin.

Private Cemetery Options

Compared to public cemeteries, private cemeteries offer more choices, especially permanent burial plots. However, high costs are a major characteristic of private cemeteries. The management organizations vary, and application details and fees should be checked directly with the cemetery office.

Some common private cemeteries include Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery, Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery, and Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery. Facilities and services vary, so careful consideration is needed. Available private cemeteries include:

• Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery

• Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery

• Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery

• Tsuen Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery

• Chai Wan Catholic Cemetery

• Happy Valley Catholic Cemetery

• Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Cemetery

• Christian Chinese Cemetery (Junction Road)

• Pok Fu Lam Christian Cemetery

• Chai Wan Buddhist Cemetery

• Shenzhen Dapeng Bay Cemetery

Online Enquiry for Allocation of Golden Pagoda (Urn) Niches at Wo Hop Shek

When the 6-year burial term in a public cemetery expires, or if the family wishes to exhume the bones earlier, they need to apply for a "Golden Pagoda Niche" (Urn Grave). The public can use the FEHD's enquiry system to browse available Golden Pagoda Niches for allocation at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery. Available niches include those in the newly developed section for this year, and vacant niches in the following 5 reuse sections: U1971, U1972, U1975, U1976, and U1980.

If applying for a niche in the New Section, the deceased's skeletal remains must be undergoing their first interment in a public cemetery Golden Pagoda niche. Apart from the sections mentioned above, the FEHD generally does not accept applications for other sections. However, individual consideration may be given in the following special circumstances:

1. Application for co-burial (adding remains) in a niche outside the 5 reuse sections.

2. Application for interment in the same section where a close relative is already buried (outside the 5 reuse sections) to facilitate worship.

   
   

Applicants must submit documents proving:

• The relationship between the deceased to be co-buried and the first deceased person already buried (for co-burial applications).

• The relationship between the deceased to be buried and the deceased already buried in the same section.

• Or the relationship between the applicant and both deceased persons.

  
  

Citizens can visit the Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Office (Address: Upper Ground Floor, 6 Cheong Hang Road, Hung Hom) to handle allocation procedures. Generally, the department will approve the application within fourteen working days upon receipt of the application and relevant documents.

How to Choose Suitable Burial Services?

When selecting a suitable burial site, families need to consider multiple factors comprehensively. First is Budget Planning: It is recommended to assess the total burial expenditure in detail, including not only plot and tombstone fees but also the budget for future exhumation. Second, the Location of the cemetery will directly affect the convenience for descendants visiting for worship. The Religious Beliefs of the deceased also determine whether a specific religious cemetery should be prioritized.

Given that traditional burial procedures are relatively complex and involve extensive documentation, it is recommended that families seek a reputable undertaker to provide professional one-stop burial services. This ensures the entire burial process runs smoothly and without error, allowing the family to focus on bidding farewell to their loved one.

How much does Earth Burial cost in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, the cost of earth burial is categorized into government-operated and privately operated services.

• Government-operated: The price for an adult burial is approximately HK$3,190. It is important to note the regulation that skeletal remains in graves over six years old must be relocated or exhumed (picked up).

• Privately operated: Prices vary significantly depending on the permanent nature of the plot and the facilities provided, ranging from HK$21,600 to HK$280,000.

  
  

Additionally, the price of columbarium niches (for ashes) continues to rise with increasing demand.

• Government niches: The fee for the first 20-year interment period is HK$3,000.

• Private niches: Prices can reach as high as HK$500,000 to HK$1,000,000.

The Shortage of Columbarium Niches

Due to the scarcity of land in Hong Kong, the shortage of columbarium niches has become a major issue. As demand grows and prices soar, many private venues have entered the market to sell private niches. However, many of these do not comply with land leases or town planning requirements, leading to unregulated market operations.

In 2017, the government introduced the Private Columbaria Ordinance aiming to regulate the market and protect consumer rights. However, the implementation process has been slow, with only six licenses granted to date.

The Promotion of Green Burial

To reduce the occupation of land resources, the Hong Kong government is actively promoting Green Burial policies. These include scattering ashes at sea, scattering ashes in Gardens of Remembrance, and using online memorial services.

Although traditional concepts initially made these options difficult for the public to accept, active promotion by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has led to a significant shift. Green burial cases increased from approximately 3,400 in 2013 to about 9,400 in 2022—a nearly threefold increase. The government continues to upgrade and optimize green burial facilities while strengthening public education and promotion, aiming to make green burial a mainstream choice for handling ashes and achieving more environmentally friendly and sustainable policy goals.

How to Choose a Suitable Burial Site

When selecting a burial plot, several factors must be considered:

• Geographical Location: Is the Feng Shui or environment suitable?

• Transportation Convenience: Is it easy for family members to visit for worship?

• Management and Facilities: Is the cemetery well-maintained?

• Cost: This is a crucial consideration as price differences between cemeteries are vast.

  
  

We recommend that families carefully compare their options and, before making a final decision, visit the cemetery in person to understand the actual conditions.