Death in France: the steps in order

The steps, in order

1. 01

   Have the death certified

   A doctor confirms the death and fills in the death certificate. Every step that follows depends on it.

2. 02

   Declare the death at the town hall

   At the town hall where the death occurred, whatever the deceased's nationality. It is free and needs no appointment: bring your ID, the death certificate and a document proving the deceased's identity, such as the family record book. In a hospital or care home, the institution does it within 24 hours; the funeral director can also do it for you.

3. 03

   Request the death certificate

   The town hall draws up the death record. Ask for several copies, which are free: the bank, the notary, the employer and the pension funds will need them.

4. 04

   Arrange the funeral

   Burial or cremation takes place at least 24 hours and at most 14 calendar days after the death, unless the prefect grants an exception. A hospital mortuary keeps the deceased free of charge for three days; a private funeral home charges from the first day.

5. 05

   Look for the last wishes

   A will left with a notary is listed in the central register of wills. It may also have been left at home, and wishes may be set out in a pre-paid funeral plan.

6. 06

   Inform the bank

   The deceased's personal accounts are frozen; a joint account is not. On presentation of the invoice, the bank can pay for the funeral from the deceased's money, up to €5,965 and the funds available.

7. 07

   Notify the employer and the agencies

   The employer, the health insurance fund (CPAM or MSA), which may pay a death benefit, the pension funds, the top-up health insurer and the insurers. There is no single procedure to notify every administration at once.

8. 08

   Settle the estate

   A notary is required if there is real estate, a will, a gift between spouses or a marriage contract. The inheritance return is filed within six months if the death occurred in mainland France, twelve months if it occurred abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Read also

• Death in Belgium: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Belgium: registering with the municipality, the death record, frozen bank accounts, the certificate of inheritance and the estate declaration within four months.
• Death in Switzerland: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Switzerland: notifying the civil registry office within two days, the funeral, AHV survivors' pensions, the certificate of inheritance and cantonal inheritance tax.
• 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.