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When someone passes away
When a loved one passes away, families often face many practical matters such as funeral arrangements and estate registration.
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Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
Funerals and ceremonies
When a loved one passes away, questions about the funeral often arise. The Church of Sweden is responsible for funeral services in Sweden. The general funeral fee, which everyone pays through taxes, covers the right to a burial plot, interment, transportation, and a venue for the ceremony.
Members of the Church of Sweden have the right to a church funeral. For those who want a non-religious ceremony, a civil funeral is available. In that case, relatives choose the format, music, and location. A relative can act as the officiant, and the ceremony can be held in a chapel, meeting hall, or by the grave.
Funeral representative
The County Administrative Board appoints representatives who safeguard the interests of people who are not members of the Church of Sweden. These representatives must be familiar with different funeral traditions and ensure that venues without religious symbols are available.
Estate inventory and registration
After a death, either an estate inventory or a simplified estate registration must be completed within three months. The inventory is a summary of the deceased’s assets and liabilities.
A simplified estate registration can replace a full inventory if the estate’s assets are small. It is handled by the social services in the deceased’s municipality and then sent to the Swedish Tax Agency for registration.
When can a simplified registration be done?
- The estate’s assets must not exceed 5,000 SEK after deducting costs for the funeral, headstone, memorial gathering, housing termination, and clearance.
- Other debts cannot be deducted.
- If there is real estate, site leasehold, or if any heir requests it, a full estate inventory is always required.
- Before the simplified registration, the home must be visited, and any valuables assessed.
Important to keep in mind
- Funeral costs always take priority over other debts.
- Cancel direct debit payments and do not pay any bills until the estate’s finances are reviewed.
- The person providing the estate information must know all assets and debts and inform all heirs.
Financial assistance for funerals
If the estate’s assets are not enough to cover a simple and dignified funeral, financial assistance may be available. Support can be granted up to half the price base amount. The estate’s assets are always counted first.
If the deceased was married or had a partner, the surviving spouse or partner’s ability to contribute will also be assessed.
Contact the municipality
To apply for a simplified estate registration or financial assistance for funeral costs, contact a case officer at the municipality’s reception team. They will explain the process and what documents are needed.
Do you want to access a specific document? Contact Citizen Service, and we will help you retrieve and read the full document.
Contact
Citizen Service
E-mail: kommunen@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00