Repatriation from Switzerland to South-East Europe

It depends on the exact destination and the time of year. Road transport avoids airline handling rules and often makes the arrival time more predictable; air freight is faster over longer distances. We tell you which one fits your case once the destination is fixed.

Yes, and they should be. Handled as one procedure the deadlines line up; handled separately you generally wait for the permit first and the consulate afterwards.

Typically the mortuary passport, the death certificate, the municipal permit for the grave opening and confirmation of the approved transport coffin. Many destinations additionally require consular legalisation, sometimes with a certified translation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.