Relocation within Switzerland
Grave relocation within Switzerland
Families move. When the cemetery ends up three hours away, visiting stops – and the grave slowly becomes a burden rather than a place of remembrance. Moving it is usually possible, and the procedure is lighter than most people expect.
What we take care of
Two municipalities, one coordinated procedure.
A relocation inside Switzerland stops after the reburial: no mortuary passport, no consular legalisation, no zinc-lined transport coffin. What it does involve is two separate authorities that do not talk to each other – and the order in which you approach them decides how long the whole thing takes.
- Checking the cemetery regulations and the remaining Ruhefrist (the grave's mandatory rest period)
- Confirming that a plot is available at the receiving cemetery
- Filing the application with the releasing municipality and following it up
- Obtaining the written consent of the relatives entitled to give it
- Liaising with the cantonal or district medical officer where this is required
- Grave opening by a team of two, with screening, outside visiting hours
- A new coffin and transport to the receiving cemetery, usually on the same day
- Reburial under the rules of the receiving municipality
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.
Do both municipalities have to agree?
Yes. The releasing municipality issues the permit to open the grave; the receiving one confirms that a plot is available and that it accepts the burial. Secure the receiving plot first – without a confirmed destination, the releasing municipality is reluctant to authorise anything.
Is a new coffin necessary?
As a rule yes. After years in the ground the original coffin can no longer be used for transport. For a relocation inside Switzerland it does not need a zinc lining, which keeps the cost well below that of a transfer abroad.
Does the transport happen on the same day?
In most cases yes: opening, transfer into the new coffin and transport to the receiving cemetery follow on within the same day. The reburial then takes place under the receiving municipality's rules.
Is it easier once the rest period has expired?
Generally yes. Before expiry, opening a grave is an exception that needs a solid justification and makes a medical assessment more likely. Once the period has run its course, that requirement falls away.
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.