Death in Switzerland: the steps in order

The steps, in order

1. 01

   Have the death certified

   In a hospital or care home, the death certificate is issued automatically. At home, call the family doctor or emergency services. After an accident or a crime, inform the police.

2. 02

   Report the death to the civil registry

   If the death occurred in a medical facility, the facility reports it. Otherwise, the family reports it within two days, in writing or in person, to the civil registry office where the death occurred, with the original death certificate, the family book or family certificate and an ID of the deceased. The funeral director can do it for you. Even a foreigner not living in Switzerland must be reported there.

3. 03

   Arrange the funeral

   It can only take place once the civil registry office has confirmed the report. Cremation or burial: customs and fees are arranged with the municipality or the funeral director. Many municipalities cover the cost of burial or cremation.

4. 04

   Notify the insurers, the bank and the landlord

   Health insurance and other insurers, AHV, bank, post office, subscriptions, tax authorities, road traffic office. If the deceased lived alone in a rented home, the lease is terminated and the home must be handed back within the notice period.

5. 05

   Apply for survivors' pensions

   The spouse, the registered partner and the children may be entitled to an AHV pension: apply to the compensation office that collected the deceased's last contributions. Without marriage or a registered partnership, there is usually no pension. The second pillar may provide one as well: ask the employer or the pension fund.

6. 06

   Obtain the certificate of inheritance

   It is what gives access to the estate, for example to withdraw money from an account. The competent authority depends on the canton. Allow several weeks, and from a few hundred to a few thousand francs depending on the checks needed.

7. 07

   Accept or refuse the inheritance

   To avoid inheriting the deceased's debts, you can renounce the inheritance within three months, by registered letter to the authority of their last place of residence. Anyone who helps themselves to the estate before it is divided loses this right.

Frequently asked questions

Read also

• Death in Luxembourg: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Luxembourg: registering with the municipality's civil registry, burial between the 24th and 72nd hour, searching for a will and filing the inheritance return with the AED within six months.
• 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.