Burial or cremation

You may not bury or cremate the deceased until at least 36 hours after he or she dies. And no later than 6 business days after the death.

Burial or cremation after 6 working days

Burial or cremation after 6 working days requires permission from the mayor of the municipality and a doctor. For example, you may request permission for religious reasons. Or if relatives from a distant country want to attend the funeral.

Burial or cremation within 36 hours

If you want to bury or cremate the deceased within 36 hours, you need permission from:

• the public prosecutor
• the mayor of the municipality where the body is located

Your funeral director requests permission from the municipality and also files a death notification. You do not have to do this yourself. Even if you want to bury or cremate the deceased earlier or request a postponement, your funeral director will arrange this for you.

• statement from physician or coroner