Cremation vs Burial in HK: Costs & Process

Overview: Why Cremation Dominates in Hong Kong

Over 90% of the deceased in Hong Kong are cremated. This isn't simply a cultural preference — it's a practical reality. With a population of over 7.5 million people crammed into roughly 1,100 square kilometres, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on earth. Land for burial is virtually non-existent.

The government has actively promoted cremation since the 1960s, and today, burial is only available to a very limited number of people. For most Hong Kong families, the real question isn't whether to cremate, but what to do with the ashes afterwards.

This guide walks you through every option — cremation process, ash placement choices, the limited burial alternatives, and the growing trend of green burials — with honest information about costs, wait times, and what to expect.

The Cremation Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Obtaining a Cremation Permit

Before cremation can take place, you need a cremation permit from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Here's how:

• First, register the death at the Deaths Registry and obtain the death certificate
• Apply for the cremation permit at an FEHD office, presenting the death certificate
• Most funeral directors will handle this paperwork on your behalf — you don't need to navigate the bureaucracy alone

Step 2: Booking a Government Crematorium

Hong Kong operates six government crematoria:

How to book: Family members or the funeral director can book cremation slots through the FEHD's computerised booking system. The typical waiting time is around 10 to 15 days, though this can stretch longer during peak periods (e.g., around Chinese New Year).

In practice, most families ask their funeral director to handle the booking, as they are familiar with the system and can secure suitable time slots more efficiently.

Step 3: What Happens on Cremation Day

A typical cremation day looks like this:

1. Arrival at the crematorium (usually 30-60 minutes before the scheduled time)
2. Waiting in the designated area — families may hold a brief ceremony or moment of silence
3. The cremation itself — the actual cremation takes approximately 60-90 minutes
4. Cooling period — after cremation, the remains need time to cool
5. Collection of ashes — the ashes are placed into an urn and handed to the family or funeral director

Things to know about cremation day:

• Dress in subdued, respectful colours — typically black, white, or dark tones
• Some families bring flowers or photographs of the deceased
• Different religions have different rites — discuss arrangements in advance with your funeral director or religious advisor
• It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed — having family or friends for support is advisable

Government Cremation Fees

Government cremation fees are quite reasonable:

Note that these are only the crematorium fees. Funeral service charges, coffin costs, and ceremony arrangements are additional, and the total cost will depend on the service package you choose.

Ash Placement Options

After cremation, the family needs to decide where to place the ashes. This is often the most stressful part of the process, because the options vary enormously in cost, availability, and wait time.

Option 1: Government Columbarium Niches

Government-run columbaria offer standardised niches at much lower prices than private operators, but the waiting times are extremely long.

How to apply:

1. After cremation, apply to the FEHD for a government columbarium niche
2. Allocation is done by computerised ballot
3. If your number is drawn, you must complete the formalities within a specified timeframe

The reality: Demand far outstrips supply, and the wait can be several years. Many families store ashes temporarily at a funeral parlour or private columbarium while waiting.

Government niche fees are in the range of a few thousand Hong Kong dollars — far less than private options — but location choices are limited.

Option 2: Private Columbaria

Private columbaria offer more flexibility and availability, but costs vary dramatically:

• Standard niches: approximately HK$30,000 to $100,000
• Premium locations or larger niches: HK$100,000 to $300,000+
• High-end facilities: single niches can exceed HK$500,000

What to watch out for when choosing a private columbarium:

• Verify that the columbarium holds a valid licence from the FEHD. There have been cases of unlicensed columbaria being shut down, causing immense distress for affected families
• Ask about management fees — some operators charge annual fees that add up significantly over time
• Understand the lease terms — what is the tenancy period and what are the renewal conditions?
• Visit the site in person to assess the environment, accessibility, and maintenance standards

Option 3: Memorial Gardens (Scattering of Ashes)

The government maintains several memorial gardens where ashes can be scattered in a dignified, eco-friendly ceremony — completely free of charge.

Memorial garden locations include:

• Cape Collinson Memorial Garden
• Diamond Hill Memorial Garden
• Wo Hop Shek Memorial Garden
• Tsang Tsui Memorial Garden
• Cheung Chau Memorial Garden

The process:

1. Apply to the FEHD for use of a memorial garden
2. A date and time will be arranged
3. Staff will assist with the scattering ceremony
4. Families can apply to have the deceased's name inscribed on a memorial plaque

This option costs nothing. For families who prefer an eco-friendly approach and don't want to burden future generations with niche maintenance, it's well worth considering.

Option 4: Scattering of Ashes at Sea

The FEHD regularly organises free sea scattering services, allowing families to scatter ashes in designated sea areas.

How to apply:

1. Submit a sea scattering application form to the FEHD
2. The FEHD will arrange a vessel and schedule a date
3. Each trip accommodates multiple families; each family may bring several relatives

Designated areas: The FEHD has designated scattering zones off the eastern and southern waters of Hong Kong, carefully chosen to avoid interference with other maritime activities.

Sea scattering is also completely free. In recent years, more and more families have chosen this option, seeing it as a graceful way to return their loved one to nature.

Option 5: Keeping Ashes at Home

There is no explicit law in Hong Kong prohibiting families from keeping ashes at home. However, be aware that:

• If you live in public housing, the Housing Authority may have relevant regulations
• Some private housing estates may have restrictions in their deeds of mutual covenant
• You'll need to consider what happens if you move or if family circumstances change

Home storage is typically a temporary measure while families decide on a permanent arrangement.

Burial Options in Hong Kong

Burial in Hong Kong is extremely limited and is not available to most residents.

Indigenous Villager Burial

Indigenous villagers of the New Territories have traditional rights to burial in recognised burial grounds. This is currently the most common form of legal burial in Hong Kong, but it is restricted to those with indigenous villager status.

Public Cemeteries

Hong Kong has a small number of public cemeteries, but the vast majority have stopped accepting new burials. Existing public cemeteries include:

• Permanent cemeteries — such as Happy Valley Cemetery, which is historic but has long been full
• Temporary cemeteries — these operate on a "seven-year cycle," meaning remains must be exhumed after seven years and the bones relocated to a columbarium niche or other arrangement

Religious Burial Grounds

Certain religious communities maintain dedicated burial grounds in Hong Kong:

• Muslim Cemetery — located in Happy Valley, serving the Muslim community. Islamic practice requires prompt burial, so Muslim families can usually arrange burial relatively quickly
• Parsee Cemetery — also in Happy Valley, serving the Zoroastrian community
• Jewish Cemetery — located in Happy Valley as well

These religious burial grounds are generally available only to members of the respective faith, and applications are made through the relevant religious organisation.

Burial Costs

Given the extreme scarcity of burial options, costs vary widely. Indigenous villager burials involve expenses primarily for grave construction; religious burial costs depend on each organisation's arrangements. Overall, burial is typically significantly more expensive than cremation, factoring in land use, headstone construction, and long-term maintenance.

The Green Burial Trend

In recent years, the Hong Kong government has actively promoted green burial — encouraging families to consider memorial garden scattering and sea scattering as eco-friendly alternatives.

Benefits of green burial:

• No land is used
• No long-term management fees
• Relieves future generations of the burden of maintaining a grave or niche
• Completely free (government-provided service)

According to government statistics, the proportion of families choosing green burial has been rising steadily year on year, reflecting growing acceptance of this return-to-nature philosophy. The government also maintains the "Remembrance" website, where families can create online memorial pages for their loved ones.

Comparison Table: All Options at a Glance

Practical Tips for Families

Having to make these decisions during a time of grief is incredibly difficult. Here are some honest, practical suggestions:

1. Don't rush the ash placement decision — after cremation, you can store the ashes temporarily at the funeral parlour while you take time to think things through
2. Ask about the deceased's wishes — if they expressed any preferences during their lifetime, try to honour them
3. Think long-term — a private niche offers immediate placement, but factor in annual management fees and lease renewals over decades
4. Verify columbarium licences — before committing to a private columbarium, always check its licensing status on the FEHD website
5. Let your funeral director help — experienced funeral directors can handle cremation bookings, permits, and paperwork on your behalf
6. Consider green burial — memorial garden scattering and sea scattering are not only free but also relieve your family of long-term upkeep obligations
7. Resist high-pressure sales tactics — some private columbaria may use urgency ("almost sold out") to pressure you into a quick decision. Take your time and compare

Whatever option you ultimately choose, what matters most is that your loved one rests in peace and that your family finds comfort. There is no right or wrong answer — only the answer that feels right for you and your family.

The information in this article is for reference only. Fees and policies are subject to change. For the latest details, please visit the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) website or call the FEHD hotline at 2392 2822.