Figures from the funeral sector in Switzerland: market, players and trends

The Swiss funeral market in figures

Switzerland records more than 70,000 deaths each year, a figure constantly increasing with the ageing population. The Swiss funeral market represents between 500 and 600 million francs annually, distributed across the entire territory.

Urban cantons such as Zurich, Vaud and Geneva concentrate the largest volumes, whilst rural regions display more traditional practices. To explore the demographic statistics and mortality trends in depth, the data reveals marked regional disparities.

Demographic projections indicate continuous growth until 2035, with an estimated increase of 20 to 30% in the number of annual deaths. This evolution is profoundly transforming the funeral sector and its players.

Structure of the sector: players and organisation

The Swiss funeral sector comprises between 400 and 500 funeral companies, distributed throughout the territory. This structure reflects the diversity of the country: local family businesses, regional groups and international players coexist.

The majority of companies remain independent structures, often family-owned and passed down through generations. They represent approximately 70% of the market in number of establishments, but their market share by volume is gradually decreasing.

A progressive consolidation of the sector has been observed over the past decade. Large groups are acquiring local companies whilst maintaining their commercial identity, creating a discreet but real market concentration.

Large funeral companies and groups

Several groups structure the Swiss funeral market. Concordia Pompes Funèbres, present in several French-speaking cantons, is among the major players. Funecap, a group originating from Geneva, is developing a national expansion strategy.

These groups control approximately 30% of the market by volume, with a particularly strong presence in urban areas. Their strategy is based on acquiring local companies and maintaining their regional roots.

Some international players, notably French and German, have also invested in the Swiss market in recent years. Their approach favours border cantons and large urban areas where demand is greater.

Independent funeral homes

Independent funeral companies remain the pillar of the sector in Switzerland. Their knowledge of the local area, their proximity to families and their capacity for personalisation constitute their main assets.

These family structures often offer more personalised support and increased flexibility in organising ceremonies. Their territorial roots enable them to maintain lasting relationships with local communities.

Faced with market consolidation, these players focus on quality of service and transparency. To choose a funeral home, families increasingly favour these criteria of proximity and authenticity.

Average costs and funeral budget in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the average cost of a funeral varies between 5,000 and 15,000 francs depending on the choices made. This significant range reflects the disparities between cremation and burial, between urban and rural regions, and according to the level of services.

The cantons of Geneva and Zurich display the highest rates, with averages often exceeding 12,000 francs. Conversely, rural cantons offer more accessible services, between 5,000 and 8,000 francs.

To understand in detail all the costs related to a death and the comparison between cremation and burial, each expense item deserves an in-depth analysis.

Breakdown of funeral expenses

Funeral home services represent 40 to 50% of the total budget: coffin, transport, laying out, logistical organisation. This item constitutes the largest share of costs.

The ceremony and its logistical aspects (hall, flowers, music, booklets) account for 15 to 20% of the budget. The burial or cremation itself represents 20 to 30%, depending on the type of plot chosen.

Administrative fees and publication of the death notice weigh between 5 and 10%. In Switzerland, a notice in the press costs between 800 and 2,000 francs, compared to 180 francs on a digital platform like Wolky. This difference explains the growing interest in online solutions.

Evolution of practices and behaviours

The funeral choices of Swiss families have profoundly evolved over the past twenty years. Cremation now establishes itself as the norm in the majority of cantons, with rates exceeding 85% in certain regions.

Personalisation of ceremonies is progressively replacing standardised traditional rituals. Families want celebrations that reflect the personality of the deceased, with chosen music, texts and symbols.

A simplification of rituals is also observed: shorter ceremonies, less formal processions, more intimate gatherings. The religious dimension is receding in favour of secular or mixed ceremonies, adapted to each person's values and beliefs.

Cremation vs burial: a marked trend

The cremation rate in Switzerland has risen from less than 50% in the 1990s to more than 90% in some French-speaking cantons today. The national average is around 85%, with significant regional variations.

Several factors explain this evolution: the significant cost difference (4,000-8,000 francs for cremation compared to 10,000-15,000 francs for burial), increasing urbanisation, secularisation of society and increased family mobility.

Rural and Catholic cantons maintain higher burial rates, but the general trend remains oriented towards cremation. This evolution is transforming funeral infrastructure and sector practices.

New expectations from families

Swiss families now demand total transparency on funeral rates. Detailed quotes, clearly displayed prices and the absence of hidden fees have become essential selection criteria.

Personalisation constitutes a strong expectation: the possibility to choose each element of the ceremony, to adapt rituals, to create unique moments. Emotional support and listening take precedence over simple logistical service.

Digital services are developing rapidly: online publication of death notices, creation of digital memorial pages, easy sharing with distant relatives. These tools respond to the accessibility and modernity needs of contemporary families.

Trends and innovations in the sector

The Swiss funeral sector is experiencing a progressive digital transformation. Online platforms offer alternatives to traditional press publications, with costs divided by five to ten and permanent accessibility.

Funeral planning is developing, allowing people to anticipate and finance their funeral during their lifetime. Planning contracts and funeral insurance are gaining popularity among Swiss people concerned about not being a financial burden on their loved ones.

Ecological practices are emerging: biodegradable coffins, ecological urns, and even aquamation (water dissolution) which is beginning to be authorised in certain cantons. These innovations respond to growing environmental concerns.

Digitalisation of the funeral sector

Digital platforms are transforming the publication of death notices. Where a notice in the press costs between 800 and 2,000 francs, online solutions like Wolky offer publication at 180 francs, accessible 24/7 and easily shareable.

Digital memorial pages allow photos, anecdotes and testimonials to be gathered in a permanent space. Relatives can pay their respects remotely, share their memories and stay connected beyond borders.

Digital directories of funeral homes facilitate the search and comparison of service providers. This increased transparency benefits families and pushes the sector towards greater pricing clarity and quality of service.

Planning and advance financing

The funeral planning market is experiencing sustained growth in Switzerland. Funeral insurance and planning contracts allow people to finance their funeral in advance, spreading payments over several years.

This anticipation relieves loved ones of a financial burden at the time of death and guarantees respect for the deceased's wishes. Swiss people are progressively adopting this approach, considered an act of responsible planning.

To understand all the available options, the article on advance financing of funerals details existing solutions and their respective advantages.

Challenges and opportunities in the sector

The Swiss funeral sector faces several major challenges. Pressure on margins is intensifying with increased competition and expectations of pricing transparency. Companies must modernise their practices whilst preserving their profitability.

New consumer expectations require investments in training, digitalisation and continuous improvement of services. Traditional players must adapt quickly to avoid losing market share.

These constraints also create opportunities: development of complementary services (bereavement support, planning), extensive personalisation, innovative digital solutions. Companies that manage to evolve will strengthen their position in a market experiencing demographic growth.

Projections 2025-2035: towards what funeral market?

Demographic ageing guarantees an increase in business volume of 20 to 30% by 2035. The number of annual deaths should exceed 90,000 by this time, creating structural growth in the funeral market.

Consolidation of the sector should accelerate, with progressive concentration around a few large national groups. The independent companies that survive will be those that have managed to differentiate themselves through quality and proximity.

Digitalisation will establish itself as standard: online death notices, digital services, online planning. Ecological practices will become widespread, driven by regulatory changes and societal expectations. The Swiss funeral sector of 2035 will be more transparent, more digital and more environmentally friendly.

The Swiss funeral sector represents a market worth several hundred million francs, driven by more than 70,000 annual deaths and a growing trend towards cremation. Between large international groups and independent funeral homes, families have a wide choice, but face average costs between 5,000 and 15,000 CHF depending on the services chosen.

Digitalisation is progressively transforming this traditional sector: online publication of death notices, advance planning and new expectations from families regarding transparency and accessibility. These developments respond to a real need for simplification and budget control during a difficult time.

If you need to publish a death notice, Wolky allows you to do so quickly and with dignity for 180 CHF. Publish your notice in a few minutes and share it easily with your loved ones.