How much does a death cost in Switzerland? All the expenses to plan for

Funeral home costs: the main expense

Funeral home services represent the most significant cost when a death occurs. In Switzerland, expect between CHF 3,000 and 10,000 depending on the services chosen and the region.

This amount generally includes:

• Complete organisation of the ceremony

• The coffin or urn

• Transport of the deceased

• Placement in the coffin and preservation care

• Basic administrative formalities

Rates vary considerably depending on whether you opt for cremation or burial. Cremation is generally less expensive than traditional burial.

Always request a detailed quote to compare services and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Cremation: cost breakdown

Cremation is the most economical option in Switzerland. Here are the main expense items:

• Crematorium: CHF 400 to 800

• Urn: CHF 100 to 1,500 depending on the model

• Columbarium or scattering: CHF 200 to 3,000

The average total cost of cremation is between CHF 4,000 and 8,000, including funeral home services.

This option allows for substantial savings compared to burial, particularly on the plot and headstone. The detailed comparison between cremation and burial will help you choose according to your budget.

Timescales are also shorter, which can reduce certain ancillary costs.

Burial: what to budget for

Traditional burial represents a larger investment. The main costs to plan for:

• Burial plot: CHF 1,000 to 5,000 (variable duration depending on the municipality)

• Coffin: CHF 800 to 5,000 depending on the model and finishes

• Vault: CHF 2,000 to 8,000 for construction

• Headstone: CHF 1,500 to 10,000 depending on the material and personalisation

Average total budget: CHF 10,000 to 15,000, including funeral home services.

These costs vary greatly depending on the canton and municipality. Consult our complete comparison to assess the option best suited to your situation.

Administrative and medical fees

Beyond the funeral, several administrative and medical fees quickly add up. They are often underestimated in the initial budget.

• Death certificates: CHF 20 to 50 per copy (several copies required)

• Medical certificate: CHF 50 to 150

• Body transport: CHF 200 to 500 depending on distance

• Autopsy: variable if necessary (rarely charged to the family)

Estimated budget for all: CHF 300 to 1,000.

These expenses are mandatory and cannot be reduced. Some funeral homes include them in their package, others charge them separately. Always check the details of the quote to avoid hidden costs.

The ceremony and reception

The farewell ceremony and the reception that follows represent variable expense items depending on your choices.

• Venue hire: CHF 200 to 1,000 (some municipalities offer free venues)

• Flowers and wreaths: CHF 200 to 1,500

• Ceremony booklet: CHF 100 to 400 for printing

• Reception or meal: CHF 30 to 80 per person

These elements are fully customisable according to your budget. A simple, intimate ceremony costs much less than an elaborate reception for many guests.

Prioritise the essentials: what matters is creating a dignified and respectful moment of remembrance, not the lavishness of the reception.

The death notice and communications

Informing those around you represents an often-neglected expense item. Price differences are considerable depending on the medium chosen.

Traditional press: CHF 800 to 2,000 for publication in local newspapers. The rate depends on the length of the text and the number of publications.

Digital solution: On Wolky, publish a complete death notice for CHF 180. You also benefit from:

• A customisable memorial page

• Easy sharing by email or social media

• 24/7 access for loved ones

• The ability to add photos and anecdotes

The saving is substantial: up to CHF 1,800 on this item alone, without compromising the dignity or reach of the announcement.

Succession and legal fees

Managing the estate generates legal costs that are added to funeral expenses. They are often forgotten in the initial budget.

• Notary: CHF 1,000 to 5,000 depending on the complexity of the case

• Certificate of inheritance: CHF 200 to 600

• Estate inventory: variable depending on the assets

• Estate liquidation: banking and administrative fees

These expenses depend heavily on the situation: simple or complex succession, will or not, number of heirs, property.

In some cases, these legal fees can exceed the cost of the funeral itself. Anticipate them to avoid financial stress during bereavement.

Post-funeral expenses

After the ceremony, other recurring costs set in over the long term. They are rarely taken into account in the initial budget.

• Grave maintenance: CHF 200 to 500 per year (mowing, cleaning, flowers)

• Plot renewal: every 10, 20 or 30 years depending on the municipality

• Memorial plaques: additions or replacements

• Regular flowers: depending on the frequency of visits

These expenses are spread over years, even decades. Plan an annual budget for maintenance, especially if you opt for burial.

Cremation with scattering of ashes eliminates these recurring costs, which partly explains its growing appeal.

Possible financial assistance

Several financial assistance schemes exist to ease the cost of a death. Many families are unaware of their existence.

• Funeral expense allowance AVS/AI: up to CHF 2,500 subject to income conditions

• Municipal social assistance: variable depending on municipalities for precarious situations

• Death insurance: if the deceased had taken out a specific policy

• Funeral savings capital: if anticipated during lifetime

These assistance schemes require administrative procedures and only cover part of the costs. Enquire quickly with your AVS fund and your municipality.

To better anticipate, consult our guide on financing funerals.

How to anticipate and reduce costs

A few simple reflexes allow you to control expenses without sacrificing the dignity of the ceremony.

Compare quotes: Request several detailed offers and learn to decipher them to identify price differences.

Identify hidden costs: Some services are charged as extras. Our guide on hidden costs helps you spot them.

Prepare in advance: Anticipating financing avoids hasty and costly decisions.

Choose the essentials: Focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones.

Use digital solutions: For the death notice in particular, save up to CHF 1,800.

Overall budget: what to really expect

To help you plan, here is a summary of total costs according to the type of funeral chosen in Switzerland:

Simple funeral: CHF 5,000 to 7,000

• Basic cremation

• Simple ceremony

• Simple urn

• Digital death notice

Average funeral: CHF 8,000 to 12,000

• Standard cremation or burial

• Ceremony with reception

• Standard services

Complete funeral: CHF 12,000 to 20,000+

• Burial with vault

• Personalised headstone

• Elaborate reception

• Premium services

These amounts vary depending on the canton and municipality. Large cities are generally more expensive than rural areas.

Anticipating these expenses helps avoid financial stress during bereavement and make informed choices.

A death in Switzerland represents a significant financial investment, generally between CHF 5,000 and 15,000 depending on the choices made. Funeral homes constitute the main expense, but administrative, medical, ceremony and communication costs add up quickly. Cremation remains the most accessible option, whilst traditional burial requires a more substantial budget.

Anticipating these expenses and comparing quotes helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Don't forget the hidden costs that can increase the final bill. Financial assistance exists to support families in difficulty.

To honour the memory of a loved one with dignity without breaking your budget, consider accessible solutions. Publish an online death notice on Wolky for CHF 180, accessible 24/7 and easily shareable with your loved ones. Create your death notice now and focus on the essentials: remembrance and memory.