Death in Luxembourg: the steps in order
When a loved one dies in Luxembourg, the first steps go through the municipality and the funeral home, and move fast: the burial follows the death within a few days at most. The estate comes next, with its own deadlines.
The essentials
In Luxembourg, a death is registered with the civil registry of the municipality where it occurred, often by the funeral home. Burial or cremation takes place between the 24th and 72nd hour, unless extended. The inheritance return is filed with the AED within six months.
The steps, in order
- 01
Have the death certified
The doctor issues a medical certificate, called the death declaration, stating the causes of death. It is essential for what follows.
- 02
Declare the death to the municipal civil registry
In the municipality where the death occurred. The funeral home, a relative or anyone else can do it, with the medical certificate and the deceased's family book or, failing that, their identity papers and civil status records. The municipality draws up the death record and issues extracts, a transport permit and a burial permit.
- 03
Arrange the burial or cremation
It takes place between the 24th and 72nd hour after the death. On a reasoned request, this period can be extended on the basis of a certificate from the medical inspector. For a cremation, the civil registrar where the death occurred gives authorisation, based on the deceased's written wishes or a relative's request.
- 04
Search for a will
Heirs can request a search in the register of last wishes, kept by the Registration, Estates and VAT Administration (AED). It is paid, and cheaper online than on paper.
- 05
File the estate declaration
With the AED, in writing, within six months of the death if it occurred in Luxembourg; eight months in another European country, twelve in America, twenty-four in Africa, Asia or Australia. It concerns the heirs of a deceased person domiciled in Luxembourg, and those of a deceased person who owned real estate there.
- 06
Get help from a notary, if needed
Their involvement is not required to draw up the return, but it is strongly recommended when the estate is complex.
Frequently asked questions
How soon does the burial take place in Luxembourg?
Between the 24th and 72nd hour after the death, for a burial as for a cremation. On a reasoned request, the period can be extended on the basis of a certificate from the medical inspector.
Who can register the death?
The funeral home chosen by the family, a relative, or anyone else, at the civil registry of the municipality where the death occurred.
What is the deadline for the inheritance return?
Six months after a death in Luxembourg. It is longer after a death abroad: eight months in Europe, twelve in America, twenty-four in Africa, Asia or Australia.
The Luxembourg steps, followed with the family
In your Milele file, the steps appear in order, with their deadlines, and your loved ones can share some of them.
Open a file for freeRead also
- Death in Quebec: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Quebec: the attestation and declaration of death, the certificate, the death benefit of up to $2,500, survivor pensions, Service Canada, tax returns and the liquidator's role.
- Death in the United Kingdom: the steps in England and WalesWhat to do after a death in England or Wales: the medical certificate, registering at the Register Office within five days, the Tell Us Once service and probate.
- The first 48 hours after a deathWhat to do in the first two days after a death, at home or in hospital: the doctor, the declaration, the funeral home, the deceased's wishes and the deadline for the funeral.
Official sources
- guichet.lu — Déclaration du décès d'un proche
- guichet.lu — Enterrement ou incinération
- guichet.lu — Déclaration de succession
Updated on October 26, 2026. This guide summarises the usual steps; it does not replace advice from a notary, a lawyer or your country's authorities. How we write our guides