Reporting a death in Switzerland: companies and contracts
After someone close to you dies, many tasks can arrive at once. This guide helps organise notifications to companies. Ask for support; the initial official notification and funeral arrangements follow local requirements.
Clarify official steps first
For medical certification, registration with the competent office and funeral arrangements, contact the responsible professionals and authorities. The Zurich information linked below illustrates a local procedure; other locations have their own requirements.
Who should you inform?
Review banks, insurers and health insurance, the employer or pension fund, landlord, telecom providers, associations and subscriptions. For each contract, note whether you initially want to notify, clarify, transfer or cancel it.
Evidence of death and authority to act differ
Ask the recipient which certificate and proof of your authority to act are required. Evidence of death does not automatically authorise access to accounts. A certificate of inheritance may be needed for certain steps.
Prepare your request
- List service providers and customer or contract numbers.
- Clarify your role and each recipient’s evidence requirements.
- Review the notification and desired next steps for each company.
- Keep track of follow-up questions, confirmations and open contracts.
How Connect PD helps
Connect PD’s death notification workflow guides you through details of the deceased person, evidence and company selection. Check available recipients and channels before sending. The status helps distinguish submitted notifications from outstanding replies.
Connect PD does not issue death or inheritance certificates, administer estates or automatically close all accounts and contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Does reporting a death also cancel a contract?
No. Ask the provider what the notification does and what is needed for cancellation or transfer. Keep an explicit confirmation.
Can I handle every request as a relative?
That depends on your authority and the recipient’s requirements. A family relationship alone does not provide general authority to represent someone.
Related tasks
Sources and further information
Editorial team: Connect PD GmbH · checked on 1 October 2026