Death of a loved one in Switzerland: the first administrative steps

The death of a loved one brings with it a succession of administrative steps, often to be carried out in quick succession while you are going through grief. This guide summarises the essential stages in order: official declaration, organising the funeral, succession, cancellations, inheritance.

At a glance

The death declaration must be made at the civil registry office within 2 days of the death. When death occurs in a medical institution, the facility usually takes care of this.
A death certificate will be issued to you: request several original copies, as you will need them for every subsequent step.
You have 3 months to renounce (refuse) an inheritance from the moment you become aware of the death. Beyond that, acceptance is deemed tacit, debts included.
Most steps (banks, insurance, employer, lease) require a copy of the death certificate.

Steps in the first days

Day 0 to 2

In the event of death at home, call a doctor to certify the death and issue a medical certificate.
In the event of death in an institution (hospital, nursing home), the staff take care of this.
Declare the death at the civil registry office of the place of death within 2 days. Present:
- Medical certificate of death.
- Identity documents of the deceased.
- Family record booklet (if applicable).
The civil registry office issues the death certificate. Request several copies (5 to 10).

Organising the funeral

Contact a funeral home or the municipality directly for communal burials.
Check whether the deceased had testamentary dispositions or a funeral pre-arrangement contract.
Funeral costs are borne by the heirs but can be advanced by certain life insurance policies or pension funds.

First week

Notify the deceased's employer and request the outstanding salary, unused holiday entitlement and work reference letter.
Notify the pension fund (BVG/LPP) and the AHV compensation office (widow's/widower's pension or orphan's pension, depending on the situation).
Notify the health insurer to terminate the policy.
Have the deceased's bank accounts frozen (the bank often does this automatically upon presentation of the death certificate).

Steps in the first weeks

Succession and inheritance

Inventory of assets and debts: the justice of the peace or the succession office can be called upon to draw up an official inventory, which is useful if you have doubts about the solvency of the estate.
Certificate of heirs (Erbschein): a document issued by the justice of the peace establishing who the legal heirs are. Essential for unfreezing accounts, selling assets, etc.
Will: if one exists, it must be submitted to the justice of the peace as soon as possible.
Decision to accept or renounce the inheritance: to be made within 3 months of becoming aware of the death.

Cancellation of contracts

Lease: to be terminated with the landlord, with the death certificate. The law generally provides for a 3-month notice period, but amicable arrangements are common.
Subscriptions: electricity, water, gas, telecoms, press, public transport, clubs.
Insurance: KVG/LAMal, supplementary cover, liability, household contents, vehicle.
Credit cards, leasing agreements, bank subscriptions.

Tax and financial steps

Tax return for the year of death: to be filed within the cantonal deadline (often 3 months after the tax assessment decision).
Inheritance tax: varies by canton (often exempt for spouses and direct descendants, higher for other heirs).
Notification to banks with the death certificate and certificate of heirs to unfreeze assets.

Documents to keep

Death certificate (several original copies).
Medical certificate of death.
Family record booklet or birth and marriage certificates.
Will in original (submitted to the justice of the peace).
Certificate of heirs.
Banking documents of the deceased (statements, contracts, safe deposit box).
Life insurance policies, BVG/LPP contracts, 3rd-pillar statements.
Title deeds for any properties.
Funeral invoices and other succession costs.

Renouncing an inheritance

If you fear that the deceased's debts exceed their assets, you can renounce the inheritance. Steps:

Submit a written declaration to the competent authority (usually the justice of the peace) within 3 months of becoming aware of the death.
Once renounced, you inherit neither assets nor liabilities.
If in doubt, first request a public inventory: an official listing of assets and debts, so that you can make an informed decision.

Critical deadlines

2 days: death declaration at the civil registry.
3 months: deadline to renounce the inheritance from the moment you become aware of the death.
Lease notice period: 3 months standard, to be confirmed with the landlord.
Request for a public inventory: 1 month after becoming aware of the death.

Common mistakes

Waiting too long to renounce. Without taking steps within 3 months, you are deemed to have accepted the inheritance, debts included.
Underestimating the number of death certificates needed. Request several originals from the outset — it will save you time.
Touching the deceased's accounts before the certificate of heirs is issued. You risk being considered to have tacitly accepted the inheritance.
Forgetting the tax return for the year of death. It is the heirs' responsibility to file it.
Not checking whether a will or a funeral pre-arrangement contract exists before incurring costs.

Where to find help

Civil registry office of the municipality.
Justice of the peace of the canton for inheritance matters.
Pro Senectute: free assistance for older people and their families.
Lawyer or notary for complex estates (property, businesses, heirs abroad).
Protestant social centres / Caritas for social and administrative support.

Useful official links

How Admini can help

The death of a loved one triggers a large volume of administrative steps within a few weeks, often at a time when you do not have the energy to search for documents. Admini allows someone to:

Centralise their own important documents in advance (will, life insurance policies, BVG/LPP contracts, safe deposit box codes), to ease the burden on their loved ones when needed.
Prepare a clean dossier for the justice of the peace, the notary or the banks.
Receive reminders for critical deadlines (3-month renunciation window, tax return).
Quickly retrieve a document or contract during the many administrative requests that follow a death.

Admini does not replace a notary, a lawyer or a trustee for complex legal matters. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden during an already difficult time.