Cremation or burial in Geneva: how to choose

Two choices, two logics

Today in Switzerland, more than eight people out of ten choose cremation. Burial remains a strong choice, often tied to religious, family or personal convictions. There is no right or wrong answer: only yours.

Cremation in Geneva

In Geneva, cremation takes place at the Saint-Georges crematorium. For residents of many municipalities in the canton it is free; for a non-resident, it can amount to a few hundred francs.

The ashes can then be placed in a cinerary niche, a columbarium, or scattered in the garden of remembrance, depending on municipal regulations.

Burial and the concession

Burial involves a cemetery concession, managed by your municipality of residence under the cantonal law on cemeteries. In the City of Geneva, renewing a concession costs around CHF 750 for five years for a grave, and less for ashes.

This is an often overlooked financial point: a concession is not a one-off purchase, it is renewed over time. Burial is therefore a recurring cost the family bears over the years, whereas cremation mainly generates one-off costs.

For an identical service, differences between funeral homes often exceed CHF 2'000: always ask for several detailed quotes.

How to decide with confidence

The simplest approach is to put your preferences in writing and talk about them with your loved ones. If you hesitate, that is normal: a trusted professional can go through everything with you, with no obligation. In a few minutes, our diagnosis helps you see clearly for your municipality.