Limitation on number of guests attending funerals
From 1 June 2021 it is allowed to have 20 guests during funerals, regardless of the size of the chapel or ceremony room. You are allowed to have 50 guests if you are able to keep a distance of at least one meter sideways, forwards and backwards from other group constellations. Each group may consist of a maximum of four people.
Bear in mind
- try to plan the funeral as soon and with as few guests as possible;
- saying goodbye is an important part of the grieving process;
- the funeral should be adapted to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus;
- guests can participate in the funeral digitally
- there is no need to hold the funeral and the memorial service on the same day.
Webcasting the funeral
Many funeral directors offer live broadcasts of funerals, making it possible for anyone who for whatever reason is unable to attend in person to participate and follow the ceremony online in real time on the deceased’s memorial page.
Find out what services funeral directors can offer.
Memorial services and the burial of urns can be planned for a later date
It is permitted to hold a cremation first and then a burial ceremony for the urn at a later date. Once a cremation has taken place, the family has one year to decide on what form a ceremony and burial should take.
You may want to bury the coffin with only the closest relatives in attendance and then hold a memorial service for other friends and relatives at a later date.
Crisis information and support for relatives
Swedish public authorities and other stakeholders have compiled information regarding new conditions that may affect farewells at the end of life and funerals. This includes recommendations to relatives and more detailed information about current rules and regulations due to the pandemic.
Information and support for relatives, krisinformation.se (in English)
External link.
Information and support for relatives, krisinformation.se (in Swedish) External link.
With due concern for the welfare of others, it is important to follow the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s (Folkhälsomyndigheten) recommendations not to meet others if you have any symptoms.
Sending flowers and making memorial donations
There is a website where you can search for a deceased individual and arrange to send flowers to the funeral or make a memorial donation if you unable to attend in person.
If you arrange the funeral yourself
If you are a relative who is arranging the funeral yourself, you will need a certificate from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) stating that the deceased may be cremated or buried. Contact the Swedish Tax Agency to order the certificate Kremering/gravsättning.
Occupational injuries and fatalities as a result of the coronavirus
Anyone who has contracted COVID-19 through their work nursing or treating those with the disease may be entitled to financial compensation. In the event of occupational injury, the individual may be entitled to an annuity from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).
In the event of death, survivors are entitled to an annuity or funeral allowance from the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten). This applies to occupational injuries incurred from 1 February 2020 onwards.
Compensation for occupational injury at försäkringskassan.se External link.
Compensation for work-related fatalities, pensionsmyndigheten.se (in Swedish) External link.
