Columbarium niches are one of the key end-of-life arrangements in modern Chinese society, providing a respectful resting place for cremated remains. With Hong Kong’s ageing population and limited land resources, the application and management of columbarium niches have become a major public concern. This article provides comprehensive information on the concept of columbarium niches, the 2025 application process for niches at the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries, types and application criteria of government columbarium niches, and the latest updates from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).

A columbarium refers to a designated compartment for storing the ashes of deceased individuals, usually located in a columbarium facility or cemetery. In addition to storing ashes, columbaria serve as places for families to pay tribute to their loved ones. Both the Hong Kong government and private organisations offer columbarium niches for public application.

The Hong Kong government operates 17 columbarium facilities across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, offering two types of niches:

• Standard Niches: Accommodate ashes of two or more deceased individuals.
  Initial 20-year lease: approx. HK$2,400; renewal for 10 years: HK$1,200.
• Large Niches: Accommodate ashes of four or more individuals.
  Initial 20-year lease: approx. HK$3,000; renewal for 10 years: HK$1,500.

Basic eligibility criteria include:

• The deceased was a Hong Kong resident and cremated at a government crematorium within 3 months of death; OR
• The deceased was a Hong Kong resident for at least 10 of the 20 years prior to death and cremated outside Hong Kong; OR
• The ashes were exhumed lawfully and cremated at a government crematorium.

Applicants must submit copies of their own and the deceased’s identity documents, proof of cremation, and relationship documents. Applications can be submitted online or in person.

The Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (BMCPC) is responsible for overseeing several Chinese permanent cemeteries, providing columbarium niches for Hong Kong permanent residents of Chinese descent. Information regarding the 2025 columbarium niche application can be found on the BMCPC’s official website, where applicants may also subscribe to email updates for the latest announcements.

Eligibility requirements typically include that either the applicant or the deceased must be a Hong Kong permanent resident of Chinese descent. The application process generally involves filling out an application form and submitting relevant identification and cremation proof documents. The BMCPC also periodically opens new application rounds for niches, so the public should stay informed through official announcements.

In May 2025, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced a new allocation round for columbarium niches, offering approximately 16,150 extendable niches. These are distributed across Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium, and Sha Tin Shek Mun Columbarium. Specifically, the allocation includes 4,000 standard niches and 50 large niches at Wo Hop Shek, 6,000 standard niches and 50 large niches at Cape Collinson, and 6,000 standard niches and 50 large niches at Shek Mun.

The application period runs from May 19 to June 18, 2025. Applicants can download the application form from the FEHD website, collect it in person at designated offices, or submit the application online. Niches will be allocated through a ballot and computer random selection process, and applicants cannot choose their niche location.

Additionally, the Shek Mun Smoke-Free Columbarium is expected to be completed in 2025, providing approximately 40,000 new niches, which will help ease the ongoing shortage of niche supply.

• Ensure all required documents are submitted, including identity, cremation, and relationship proofs.
• Fill in the application form accurately—especially for large niches, where details of at least three deceased individuals are required.
• Monitor notification of ballot results and complete payment and collection procedures accordingly.
• Columbarium niches are typically leased for a fixed term and can be renewed afterward at a lower fee.

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References:

• [Columbarium Niches] Complete Guide to Government and Private Columbarium Fees and Applications (2025 Update) – treeo-life
• "Government Columbarium Application 2024" – Application Process, Required Documents, Waiting Time | Quick Guide – paradise
• Applications for new niches to open - news.gov.hk
• Cemeteries and Crematoria - fehd.gov.hk
• Online Application for New Columbarium Niches – bmcpc