What to Do After a Death in Switzerland
Losing a loved one in Switzerland triggers a sequence of legal, administrative and personal tasks. This English guide walks you through the first hours, weeks and months – including cantonal differences, deadlines, and inheritance rules under the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB).
The first hours
If the death occurs at home, call the family doctor or emergency number 144. The doctor issues the medical death certificate. If the cause is unclear, the police are involved – a normal legal procedure. In hospitals or care homes, staff handle all medical formalities. The deceased may rest at home for a few hours depending on cantonal rules.
Registering the death
The death must be registered with the civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt) at the place of death within 2 working days. Funeral directors usually take care of this. Order 6–8 original death certificates – banks, AHV/AVS, insurers and the land registry all require originals.
Funeral arrangements
Burial deadlines vary by canton (typically 4–6 days). Over 90 % of Swiss residents choose cremation. A simple cremation costs CHF 4,000–8,000; a burial with family grave CHF 8,000–15,000. Always request multiple written quotes.
Notifications in the first weeks
- AHV/AVS – stop pension, claim survivor pension
- Pension fund (BVG/LPP) – survivor benefits
- Health insurer – terminate membership
- Employer – final settlement
- Bank – accounts blocked until certificate of inheritance
- Insurance policies (life, accident, household, car)
- Landlord – extraordinary termination within 1 month
- Tax authority – final tax return
Inheritance & certificate of heirs
The competent cantonal authority issues the certificate of heirs (Erbenbescheinigung / certificat d'héritier). Heirs have 3 months to disclaim the inheritance under Art. 567 ZGB. A public inventory limits liability to listed debts.
Inheritance tax
Inheritance tax is cantonal. Spouses and registered partners are exempt everywhere. Descendants are exempt in most cantons. Siblings, nephews and unmarried partners pay 6–25 %, unrelated heirs up to 49.5 % in Geneva. The deceased's last canton of residence governs.
Häufige Fragen
- How long does Swiss probate take?
- A simple estate without real estate is settled in 4–8 months. Complex estates with property or international elements take 1–3 years.
- Do unmarried partners inherit in Switzerland?
- No. Cohabiting partners have no legal inheritance rights. A will or inheritance contract is required.
- How many death certificates should I order?
- 6–8 originals. Banks, pension funds, insurers and the land registry all require originals.
- What is the deadline to refuse the inheritance?
- 3 months from knowledge of the death and your status as heir (Art. 567 ZGB).
- Is a notary always required?
- No. Simple estates are handled by the cantonal authority. A notary or lawyer is advisable for property, businesses or disputes.
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