How to Get a Death Certificate in Hong Kong

Difference Between MCCD and Death Certificate

Many families are confused about the difference between a "Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death" and a "Death Certificate" when dealing with the passing of a loved one. These are two distinct documents that must be obtained in sequence.

Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD / Form 18)

The Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD), also known as Form 18, is issued by the registered medical practitioner who attended to the deceased. It states the cause of death.

• Issued by the attending doctor or pathologist
• Specifies the cause of death and relevant medical history
• A prerequisite for death registration
• Usually issued by the hospital or clinic shortly after death

Death Certificate (Certificate of Registration of Death)

The Death Certificate is the official legal document issued by the Immigration Department's Deaths Registry confirming that the death has been formally registered.

• Issued by the Deaths Registry under the Immigration Department
• The legal proof required for banks, insurance claims, probate, and other official purposes
• Can only be obtained after the MCCD has been issued

In simple terms: Doctor issues MCCD → Register the death at Deaths Registry → Obtain the Death Certificate.

Deaths Registry Offices: Locations and Hours

Hong Kong has three deaths registry offices. Families can visit any one of them to register a death:

1. Births and Deaths General Register Office

• Address: 3/F, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:45am–4:45pm; Sat 9:00am–11:30am; Sun & Public Holidays 10:00am–12:30pm (natural deaths only)
• Phone: (852) 2867 2784

2. Hong Kong Island Deaths Registry

• Address: 18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00am–12:30pm & 2:00pm–4:30pm; Sat 9:00am–12:30pm; Closed on Sun & Public Holidays
• Phone: (852) 2961 8841

3. Kowloon Deaths Registry

• Address: 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00am–12:30pm & 2:00pm–4:30pm; Sat 9:00am–12:30pm; Closed on Sun & Public Holidays
• Phone: (852) 2368 4706

General enquiry hotline: (852) 2824 6111

Who Can Register the Death

Under the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap. 174), the "informant" who registers a death must be the nearest relative or other relevant person of the deceased. Eligible informants include:

1. Spouse
2. Adult children
3. Parents
4. Siblings
5. Other relatives
6. Person responsible for funeral arrangements (e.g., funeral director representative)
7. Representative of an organisation with legal interest (e.g., insurance company solicitor)

It is recommended that the closest family member serves as the informant to ensure accuracy of the information provided.

Documents Required for Death Registration

When visiting the Deaths Registry, the informant must bring:

• Original MCCD (Form 18) — issued by the attending doctor
• Deceased's Hong Kong Identity Card or travel document
• Informant's Hong Kong Identity Card or travel document
• Information about the deceased's occupation, nationality, and marital status

For online death registration, copies of the above documents must be uploaded digitally.

Registration Timeline

By law, deaths from natural causes must be registered within 14 days. Failure to comply may result in a fine of HK$2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

In practice, however, hospitals typically advise families to register as soon as possible. After the MCCD is issued, families should aim to visit the Deaths Registry within 24 to 48 hours, as the death certificate is a prerequisite for arranging cremation or burial.

In-person registration typically takes about 30 minutes, with the death certificate issued within an additional 10 minutes. Online registration takes approximately 3 working days to process.

Fees for Death Certificates

How Many Certified Copies Should You Request?

We strongly recommend ordering multiple certified copies at once to avoid having to return to the registry later. Common uses include:

• Banks: Each bank holding the deceased's accounts will require an original certified copy
• Insurance companies: Each insurer will need an original certified copy
• Probate Registry: An original is required when applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration
• MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund): Required to withdraw the deceased's MPF
• Property and utilities: May be needed for transferring ownership or cancelling accounts
• Personal backup: Keep one or two extra copies for your records

We generally recommend ordering 5 to 10 certified copies, depending on the deceased's assets and number of insurance policies. At HK$140 per copy, it is far more convenient to order them all at once.

Unnatural Deaths: When the Coroner Gets Involved

If the cause of death is unnatural — such as an accident, suicide, homicide, poisoning, or violence — the family does not register the death themselves. Instead:

1. The Coroner takes over the investigation
2. A post-mortem examination (autopsy) may be conducted
3. If necessary, the Coroner will hold an inquest
4. After the investigation, the Coroner notifies the Registrar to complete the death registration

This process typically takes one to six months. During this time, the family may be unable to proceed with funeral arrangements. If you are in this situation, contact a funeral service provider to discuss temporary body preservation options.

Online Booking for Death Registration

The Immigration Department now offers online death registration services. Families can access the service through the government website:

• Online death registration: Available for natural death cases; digital copies of required documents must be uploaded
• Processing time: Approximately 3 working days
• Collection: You will still need to visit the registry in person to collect the original death certificate

Online registration link: GovHK — Online Death Registration

Practical Tips

• Before going to the registry, confirm that the MCCD (Form 18) has been issued by the doctor
• Call the registry ahead of time to check waiting times — Monday mornings tend to be the busiest
• Bring sufficient cash or a cheque to pay for certified copies
• If the deceased was not a Hong Kong resident, additional travel documents may be required
• Consider notifying your funeral service provider at the same time so they can coordinate subsequent arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a death at any Deaths Registry, regardless of where the person died?

Yes. You can visit any of the three Deaths Registry offices in Hong Kong regardless of where the death occurred. Choose the office most convenient for you. If the death occurred in a hospital, the hospital will provide the MCCD (Form 18) which you then take to any registry.

What if I lost the death certificate?

If you lose a certified copy of the death certificate, you can apply for a replacement by visiting any Deaths Registry office or applying online. A particular search costs HK$140, and a new certified copy costs an additional HK$140. You will need to provide identifying details of the deceased such as their full name, date of death, and identity card number.

Can a funeral director register the death on my behalf?

While a funeral director representative can accompany you and assist with the process, the informant (typically a close family member) must be present to provide the required information and sign the register. Some funeral service providers will guide you through every step of the process and help you prepare the necessary documents in advance.

What if the death occurred outside Hong Kong?

If a Hong Kong resident dies overseas, the death would normally be registered in the country where it occurred. To obtain a Hong Kong death certificate, you would need to contact the Births and Deaths General Register Office with the foreign death certificate and any required translations. The process may take longer and require additional documentation.