Canton of Bern
Exhumation and grave relocation in the Canton of Bern
Our office is in Bolligen, a few minutes from Bern. If the grave is in the canton, we know the cemetery administration, the local practice and the people who process your application.
What we take care of
Local knowledge shortens the procedure.
Every Swiss municipality writes its own cemetery regulations, so the decisive rules are local rather than national. In the Canton of Bern a cantonal waiting period of 48 hours after death applies to burials, and for exhumations the cantonal or district medical officer may be brought in depending on the circumstances.
- Checking the cemetery regulations of the specific Bernese municipality
- Establishing the remaining Ruhefrist with the cemetery administration
- Application to the municipality, with the required consent declarations
- Liaison with the cantonal or district medical officer where prescribed
- Scheduling with the cemetery administration, outside visiting hours
- Grave opening by a team of two, with screening
- Reburial within the canton, or repatriation abroad
The process
Five steps – transparent, with no unpleasant surprises.
The permit procedure is what takes the longest. After the initial consultation we give you a realistic timeline.
Initial consultation
You describe the situation. We check the requirements free of charge.
Written quote
An itemised offer with every position listed. You decide only afterwards.
Permit
We file the application and follow it up with the authorities.
Carrying out the work
Grave opening and exhumation, screened from view and handled with respect.
Reburial or repatriation
Relocation within Switzerland, or transport to the destination country.
Frequently asked questions
What families ask us.
Which authority decides in the Canton of Bern?
The municipality whose cemetery holds the grave – not the canton, and not your municipality of residence. In the city of Bern this is the cemetery administration; in smaller municipalities it is often the Gemeindeverwaltung (municipal administration) itself.
Do you also work outside the Canton of Bern?
Yes, throughout Switzerland. Bern is simply where we are based and where we know the local practice best, which usually shortens the clarification phase.
Which municipalities around Bolligen do you cover?
All of them – Bolligen, Ittigen, Ostermundigen, Köniz and the surrounding communities. The cemetery in Bolligen, for instance, serves both Bolligen and Ittigen, which are separate municipalities.
Do I need a permit to open a grave?
Yes. In Switzerland a grave may only be opened with official authorisation. The decision rests with the Gemeinde – the municipality that owns the cemetery, not your municipality of residence. Each one applies its own cemetery regulations.
Who has to give consent?
As a rule the closest surviving relatives, or whoever holds the right of use to the grave. Relatives of the same degree are treated equally: if there are three children, the authority will normally want all three signatures, not a majority.
How long does the procedure take?
That depends almost entirely on the municipality. Some decide within a few weeks, others take considerably longer – particularly if an assessment by the Kantonsarzt (cantonal medical officer) is required, or if not every relative can be reached quickly.
What does it cost?
For the work at the grave itself, experience puts the figure at roughly CHF 3,000 to 4,000 for a coffin. That covers two trained staff, travel both ways, cleaning and all expenses. Municipal fees, a new coffin and – for transport abroad – documents and freight come on top.
Can we be present?
Yes, if you wish. We arrange the appointment for a quiet time at the cemetery and set up screening. Choosing not to attend is equally valid, and it is what most families decide; we then document the work for you.
Free initial consultation
Talk to us – even if you are still unsure.
Describe the situation to us. We check the requirements free of charge and tell you honestly what is possible. Costs only arise afterwards.