A family member has died – what do I need to do?
7 tasks in suggested order
1. Ensure the death is reported to the competent civil registry
A death must be registered with the competent civil registry. Hospitals/homes and other obligated bodies often report it directly; otherwise relatives should clarify who is responsible.
Federal civil-status rules generally provide a 2-day reporting period for a death.
Civil registry office for the place of death; use the official authority directory for local responsibility.
Medical death certificate and, depending on the reporting route, identity/personal details.
A death cannot be registered without a medical death certificate.
Official source: Bundesamt für Justiz / EAZW
2. Order any required death/civil-status documents
Civil-status documents may be needed for banks, insurers, land registry or estate matters.
After registration, when the document is needed for subsequent steps.
At the civil registry office that registered the event.
Evidence of entitlement as required by the registry office.
Order only the documents required for your case.
Official source: Bundesamt für Justiz
3. Arrange the funeral under cantonal/municipal rules
Funeral arrangements and local procedures are largely cantonal/municipal. Identify the competent authority for the relevant locality.
Promptly, following the competent local authority’s rules.
Canton/municipality via the official ch.ch authority directory.
Death certificate/registration confirmation and locally required documents.
Do not assume a nationwide funeral deadline; check cantonal and municipal rules.
Official source: ch.ch
4. Inform the employer, pension fund, banks and insurers
Official source: www.ch.ch
5. Check AHV survivors’ benefits
Official source: www.ahv-iv.ch
6. Clarify the estate, will, and acceptance or renunciation of inheritance
Official source: www.ch.ch
7. Deal with housing, contracts, mail and digital accounts
Official source: www.ch.ch
