Burial Permit
The burial permit is a key document in funeral arrangements, and without it the deceased may not be buried or cremated. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the cause of death has been properly investigated and that there are no obstacles to burial.
Issuance and Process
The burial permit is issued by the doctor who prepared the death certificate. In practice, the permit is granted at the same time as the death certificate is completed. In routine cases of death — for example, as a result of a long-term illness — the burial permit is usually obtained within 1–3 days.
If the cause of death is unclear or involves an accident, suicide, or suspected crime, the police order a forensic cause-of-death investigation. The deceased is then transferred for an autopsy, and the issuance of the burial permit is delayed for the duration of the investigation — often several weeks. A forensic investigation cannot be refused.
Timeline and Connection to Funeral Arrangements
The burial permit directly affects the funeral timeline. According to the Burial Act, burial must be carried out without undue delay, but in practice funeral arrangements can only proceed after the permit has been obtained. Funeral homes monitor the process on behalf of the family and notify them when the permit has been received.
Both casket burial and cremation at a crematorium require the same burial permit. The permit is delivered to either the cemetery or the crematorium before the procedure.
Connection to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency
The death certificate and associated burial permit also pass through the chain of authorities to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). The DVV records the death in the population information system, which triggers other administrative matters such as the estate inventory process. The doctor submits the death certificate to the DVV, and the family does not need to separately notify the authorities of the death.
Special Circumstances
If the deceased dies abroad, the burial permit process is more complex. Repatriating the deceased to Finland requires documents issued by the authorities of the country in question as well as a transport permit. The burial permit is issued in Finland only after the necessary documents have been translated and approved. The funeral home can assist with international arrangements. Read more in our burial permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the burial permit?
The burial permit is issued by the doctor who prepared the death certificate. If the cause of death requires forensic investigation, the burial permit is issued by a forensic pathologist at the request of the police.
How long does it take to receive a burial permit?
In routine cases of death, the burial permit is usually obtained within 1–3 days. If the cause of death requires forensic investigation, the process may take several weeks.
Is a burial permit needed for cremation?
Yes, a burial permit is always required before burial or cremation. The crematorium will not perform cremation without a valid burial permit.
Related terms
An official document issued by a doctor that confirms the death and its cause.
Act 457/2003, which regulates burial activities, cemeteries, and cremation in Finland.
Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Responsible for the population information system and death registration.
An investigation conducted by authorities to determine the cause of death, which may be medical or forensic.
Read also
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
Funeral timeline from death to burial: deadlines, applying for a burial permit, blessing ceremony, and practical arrangements. A clear timeline description.
What documents are needed for an estate inventory? A comprehensive list: family records, civil registry certificates, will, bank statements, and property documents.