How quickly must a death be reported in Switzerland?

Registration with the civil registry office happens within 2 working days; the funeral director usually handles it.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Fines, loss of insurance benefits or unlimited liability for the deceased's debts.

When is inheritance tax due?

Usually 6-12 months after the death – discuss extensions with the tax office early.

When are bank accounts unfrozen?

Only after a valid certificate of inheritance is presented. Funeral costs can usually still be paid from the account before that.

What about foreign assets?

Foreign deadlines apply on top of local ones – seek cross-border legal advice.

Deadlines after a death Switzerland: every date at a glance

<p>After a death in Switzerland many deadlines run in parallel – from registration at the civil registry office to inheritance tax. Losing track risks fines or forfeited insurance benefits. This guide lists every deadline in chronological order with the competent authority. The <a href="/app" class="text-primary underline">Wegbegleiter App</a> sends the reminders automatically.</p>

Immediately: the first hours

A death in Switzerland triggers a chain of deadlines. Within the first hours a doctor must be called (emergency 144) to issue the medical death certificate – the basis for every later step.

1-3 days: register the death

Registration with the civil registry office happens within 2 working days. The official death certificate is then issued – order 6-10 originals for the bank, insurers, certificate of inheritance, landlord and employer. Funeral rules and inheritance tax differ significantly between Swiss cantons – always check your canton's regulations.

4 to 6 days (cantonal): funeral

Funerals in Switzerland are usually held 4 to 6 days (cantonal). Within that window you appoint the funeral director, choose the type of burial and arrange the ceremony.

2 weeks: authorities, banks, insurers

Within two weeks notify:

AHV / Pensionskasse – stop payments, claim survivor benefits
Health and long-term-care insurance
Banks and building societies
Life, accident and funeral insurance
Employer, landlord, utilities, telecoms, subscriptions

Most contracts do not end automatically – cancel them in writing.

Inheritance: 3 months from knowledge (Art. 567 ZGB)

If you have doubts about the estate, renounce within 3 months from knowledge (Art. 567 ZGB) – otherwise you become liable for debts. You may also request a public inventory.

3-12 months: taxes and distribution

About three months for the deceased's final income-tax return. The inheritance-tax return must usually be filed within 6-12 months of death – in Switzerland normally with the tax office at the last residence. Only after paying the tax can accounts, property and securities be definitively transferred.

The Wegbegleiter App reminds you of every deadline with a country-specific timeline.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly must a death be reported in Switzerland?: Registration with the civil registry office happens within 2 working days; the funeral director usually handles it.
What happens if I miss a deadline?: Fines, loss of insurance benefits or unlimited liability for the deceased's debts.
When is inheritance tax due?: Usually 6-12 months after the death – discuss extensions with the tax office early.
When are bank accounts unfrozen?: Only after a valid certificate of inheritance is presented. Funeral costs can usually still be paid from the account before that.
What about foreign assets?: Foreign deadlines apply on top of local ones – seek cross-border legal advice.

Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments

Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.

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