What to do when someone dies – step by step guide

If the death happens at home and was expected, call the family doctor or the local out-of-hours medical service. The doctor confirms the death and issues the medical death certificate – the document every later step depends on. If the death was sudden, unexpected or violent, call the emergency number (112 in the EU, 144 in Switzerland). The police or coroner will attend before the body can be moved.

You do not have to rush. In most European countries the body may remain at home for up to 36 hours, provided it is kept cool. Take the time to say goodbye, light a candle, gather close family. When you feel ready, contact a funeral director: they will handle transport and much of the administration in your name.

Every country requires a formal registration of the death at the local civil registry office (Standesamt in DE/AT/CH, mairie in FR/BE/LU, comune in IT, gemeente in BE-NL). The funeral director usually files this within 24–72 hours. Bring: the medical death certificate, the deceased's ID card and passport, family record book or marriage certificate, and – if available – a birth certificate. Ask for 8 to 10 certified copies of the death certificate: banks, insurers, employers, pension funds and notaries each require an original. The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) keeps a running list of where you sent which copy.

You can choose burial or cremation according to the wishes of the deceased and the local rules. Costs range from roughly €3,500 for a simple ceremony to €10,000 or more for a traditional burial with plot. Ask for a written cost estimate in advance – this is a legal requirement in most EU countries. Check whether the deceased had a funeral insurance policy (very common in Belgium, Netherlands, Italy) or a prepaid funeral trust.

Within 10–14 days, notify:

• Employer – final pay, holiday balance, group life insurance
• Health insurance – possible death benefit, card cancellation
• State pension office – stop pension, apply for survivor's pension
• Bank(s) – accounts are usually frozen until succession is settled
• Private insurers – life, home, car, travel
• Landlord or property manager – tenancies do not always end automatically
• Utility, telecom and streaming providers – cancel or transfer
• Tax office – final income tax return is still required
• Vehicle registration – transfer or deregister the car

Whether a notary is required depends on the country and on whether real estate, a business or a will is involved. In Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland a certificate of inheritance (Erbschein / acte de notoriété / atto notorio) is normally issued through a notary or probate court and is needed to unblock large bank balances and transfer property. Deadlines to file an inheritance tax return vary from 3 months (Germany) to 12 months (France) – check the country guide for the exact rules.

Most European countries grant bereavement leave of 1 to 10 days, depending on the relationship and the collective agreement. Speak to your employer early. Reach out to a bereavement support group, your family doctor or a counsellor – grief that lasts and stops you functioning after several months deserves professional attention. The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) bundles country-specific checklists, template letters and an encrypted emergency folder you can prepare for your own loved ones. Find step-by-step guidance at wegbegleiterapp.com.