Columbarium Niche Application Process in Hong Kong

Government Columbarium Niches

The Hong Kong Government provides public columbarium niches through the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) at fees far lower than private columbaria, though demand vastly exceeds supply.

Application via FEHD Allocation Scheme

Government columbarium niches are allocated through the following channels:

• Periodic allocation rounds: The FEHD regularly releases new niches for public application. For example, in May 2025, over 16,000 niches were offered at Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium, and Shek Mun Columbarium
• Year-round applications: Since December 2021, Tsang Tsui Columbarium has accepted applications year-round with monthly allocations of approximately 1,700 niches

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must hold the "Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes" for the deceased
• The deceased must have been cremated at a Hong Kong crematorium
• The cremated ashes must not have been placed in any other niche
• Some columbaria (such as those on outlying islands) have district restrictions, accepting only eligible residents of that district

Current Wait Times

Demand for government columbarium niches is extremely high:

• Major allocation rounds (e.g., Wo Hop Shek, Cape Collinson) require a ballot; success rates depend on the number of applicants
• The year-round Tsang Tsui application scheme is more steady but still requires a wait for allocation
• Overall, urban niches (Diamond Hill, Cape Collinson) face the most intense competition

Fees

Placing an additional set of ashes in the same niche: HK$140.

Government Columbarium Locations

FEHD-managed public columbaria are located throughout Hong Kong:

• Cape Collinson (Chai Wan) — Eastern Hong Kong Island
• Diamond Hill (Wong Tai Sin) — Kowloon
• Shek Mun (Sha Tin) — New Territories
• Fu Shan (Tai Wai) — New Territories
• Kwai Chung (Kwai Chung) — New Territories
• Wo Hop Shek (Fanling) — Northern New Territories
• Tsang Tsui (Tuen Mun) — Western New Territories
• Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau — Outlying Islands

Private Columbaria

Due to the limited supply of government niches, many families turn to private columbaria. However, the quality and legality of private columbaria varies widely, so thorough research is essential before making any purchase.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Columbaria

Under the Private Columbaria Ordinance (Cap. 630), all private columbaria operating in Hong Kong must be licensed.

• Licensed columbaria: Have been granted a licence by the Private Columbaria Licensing Board (PCLB) and are subject to regulatory oversight, offering greater consumer protection
• Unlicensed columbaria: Have not been granted a licence or are still in the application process. Purchasing a niche from an unlicensed columbarium carries significant risk, including the possibility of the facility being ordered to close by the government

How to Verify a Columbarium's Licence

Before purchasing a niche, always verify the columbarium's status on the PCLB's official website:

• Check here: Private Columbaria Licensing Board — Register of Private Columbaria
• The website lists each columbarium's licence status (licensed, exempted, application pending, etc.)
• If a columbarium is not on the list, it is operating without authorisation — do not purchase

Private Niche Costs

Prices for private niches vary enormously depending on location, facilities, and niche size:

• Entry level: Approximately HK$30,000–$80,000
• Mid-range: Approximately HK$80,000–$150,000
• Premium: HK$150,000–$300,000 or above

Prices are influenced by: location (urban vs. remote), niche level (eye-level niches are the most expensive), columbarium facilities and environment, and whether dedicated worship space is provided.

What to Check Before Purchasing

• Confirm licence status: Verify on the PCLB website
• Visit in person: Inspect the columbarium's environment and facilities first-hand
• Read the contract carefully: Pay attention to management fees, renewal terms, and refund conditions
• Keep receipts: Retain all payment records
• Understand ongoing fees: Some columbaria charge annual management fees that can add up significantly over time

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

• "Buy now, licence coming soon": Some columbaria claim their licence is about to be approved and offer low prices to attract buyers. If the licence application fails, the columbarium may be shut down and buyers lose everything
• Exaggerated appreciation claims: Niches marketed as "investment products" with claims of significant price appreciation. Columbarium niches are not investment vehicles
• Hidden fees: The initial price looks affordable, but high management or maintenance fees are buried in the contract
• Prevention: Only purchase from licensed columbaria, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and compare terms from at least three different columbaria

Alternative Ash Placement Options

Beyond traditional columbarium niches, the Hong Kong Government promotes several green burial options — some of which are completely free of charge.

Memorial Gardens / Gardens of Remembrance (Free)

The FEHD maintains 14 Gardens of Remembrance across 10 public columbaria where families can scatter their loved ones' ashes at no charge.

• Fee: Free
• Locations: Cape Collinson, Diamond Hill, Shek Mun, Fu Shan, Kwai Chung, Tsang Tsui, Wo Hop Shek, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau
• How to apply: Submit a completed application form, the original "Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes", and a copy of the deceased's identity card to the FEHD at least 14 days before the proposed scattering date
• The Tsang Tsui and Shek Mun Gardens of Remembrance feature a Ceremonial Room for a simple farewell ceremony before scattering

Sea Scattering (Free)

The FEHD provides a free ferry service for families to scatter ashes in designated Hong Kong waters.

• Fee: Free (including ferry service)
• Designated waters: East of Tap Mun, east of Tung Lung Chau, south of West Lamma Channel
• Trip duration: Approximately 3 to 5 hours
• How to apply: Submit the application form to the FEHD Cemeteries and Crematoria Section at least 10 days before the proposed date
• Families may also arrange their own vessels to scatter ashes in the designated areas

Home Storage

There is no law in Hong Kong prohibiting the storage of ashes at home. However, please note:

• If the home is public housing (PRH) or HOS, check for any specific regulations
• Some building deeds of mutual covenant may restrict the storage of ashes in residential units
• Home storage is best considered as a temporary arrangement while deciding on a permanent placement

Comparison of All Ash Placement Options

Practical Recommendations

• Plan early: Government niches are in extremely high demand — if you wish to apply, monitor the FEHD website closely for allocation announcements
• Compare multiple private columbaria: Never rush into a purchase. Compare at least three columbaria on price, facilities, and contract terms
• Seriously consider green burial: Memorial garden scattering and sea scattering are both free and dignified options that are well worth considering
• Keep all documents: Regardless of which option you choose, store all related documents and receipts safely
• Consult a funeral service provider: A professional funeral company can offer comprehensive advice on ash placement, helping your family make the most suitable decision