Obtain the death certificate promptly: the treating institution issues it, or local primary care handles a natural death at home
In China, a hospital death is certified by the institution responsible for treatment. A natural death at home is certified by the community health service or township health center serving the area. Where the cause of a natural death is clear, the cited rule requires issuance within one day. Household deregistration, cremation, housing provident fund withdrawal, social insurance benefits, insurance claims, and inheritance all depend on this document. Make several copies.
What it takes
No charge stated for obtaining the certificate.
What you may gain
The Trial Standards for Registration and Management of Population Death Information specify that a death within a healthcare institution is certified by the institution responsible for treatment. A natural death at home or elsewhere is certified by the community health service or township or subdistrict health center with jurisdiction. Deaths classified as unnatural by public security or judicial authorities follow those authorities' existing procedures. A 2026 five-department notice gives paper and electronic death certificates equal legal effect. For a natural death with an established cause, the certificate must be issued within one day of death. A lost certificate may be replaced once by the original issuing institution. Incorrect basic information may be corrected through one reissuance on submission of supporting materials.
Context & considerations
Make copies for household deregistration, cremation, provident fund withdrawal, social insurance benefits, insurance claims, and inheritance, and request an electronic credential where available. Keep the original safe because replacement is limited to once. Check the name and identity number immediately; discovering an error during inheritance proceedings can mean repeating visits to several offices.
Research & references
General Office of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (2014). Trial Standards for Registration and Management of Population Death Information, Guoweiban Guihuafa [2014] No. 68, Article 9, republished by the Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau. https://mzj.sz.gov.cn/szmz/pc/zwgk/jcxxgk/zcfg/byfw/content/post_2952215.html; National Health Commission, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (2026). Notice on strengthening resident medical death certificate information registration and electronic credential management, Guowei Guihuafa [2026] No. 5, republished by the Fujian Health Commission. https://wjw.fujian.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/gjwj/202602/t20260228_7102810.htm