Burial is the one part of this route where the law compels action rather than permitting it. Form and deadlines come from state law, and the cost in principle falls on the heir. That is precisely why the decision about the inheritance deserves thought and should not be left late.
Burial: the duty, the deadlines and who pays
Burial is compulsory in Germany, and its deadlines are set by your federal state. By law the heir bears the cost — which surprises most people.
✓ Verified: 01/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
I asked for the estimate in writing and struck out three items we did not need. The conversation was awkward for exactly thirty seconds and saved a noticeable amount.
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Lea recommends:
Ask about cost coverage before signing with a funeral director, not after. Retrospective claims are rarely accepted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is burial really compulsory? ▾
Yes, Germany has a burial requirement, and the permitted forms are limited by law: interment, or cremation followed by burial of the urn. Keeping ashes at home is not permitted in most states.
What deadlines apply? ▾
Deadlines are set by state law and differ, so no single national figure exists. Look them up for your own state; funeral directors know them by heart.
Who pays for the funeral? ▾
By law the heir bears the cost. This belongs together with the decision on the inheritance: disclaiming it does not always remove the burial duty, since that can also arise from state law.
What if there is no money for a funeral? ▾
Social assistance can cover funeral costs where they cannot reasonably be borne by the person obliged. Apply to the social welfare office BEFORE signing an expensive contract, not after the invoice arrives.