Burial Services

A burial comprises a funeral service followed by earth interment. While the broader process is consistent across Trinidad and Tobago, specific regulations — especially around purchasing a burial plot — vary from cemetery to cemetery. Whatever burial location your family chooses, our experienced staff will guide you through the registrations, permits, and arrangements so you can focus on saying goodbye.

Registering the Death

A death registration must be made within five days of a death at the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the district where the death occurred. You will need the Medical Certificate for the Cause of Death from the attending practitioner, the deceased's electronic birth certificate, and copies of identification (front and back) for both the deceased and the person registering. The District Registrar will issue three Death Certificate copies and one Cause of Death Certificate. An electronic version of the Death Certificate is available at a cost of TT$25.00 and is typically required for insurance claims and grant applications. We recommend ordering several additional certified copies at the same time so you are not delayed later in the process.

Where to Register

The Registrar General's Department has offices across the country where a death can be registered. The main locations are 72-74 South Quay in Port of Spain, 9 Leotaud Street in San Fernando, 10-10A Devenish Street in Arima, and 11 Hamilton Street in Scarborough, Tobago. Our team can advise you on which office is most convenient for your family and help you prepare the documents in advance so the visit is straightforward.

Common Questions About Burials

Grave opening and closing fees vary by cemetery and by Municipal or Regional Corporation, depending on the difficulty of the site. Some cemeteries permit families to dig the grave themselves, while others prohibit it for safety and property reasons. Plot purchases are generally available beginning three months after burial, though some cemeteries limit sales due to restricted availability. Most cemeteries allow non-residents to be buried there if a plot-owning family member gives consent. There are no legal restrictions on how soon or how late a burial must occur; body condition and permits determine the timeline. Embalming is optional for local burials but is required when the body must be transported internationally.