Luxembourg – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Luxembourg, and how does the system work?

Luxembourg’s approach to end of life care rests on a robust legal foundation. The relevant legislative framework comprises three laws: the Law of 16 March 2009 on palliative care, advance directives and end of life care; the Law of 16 March 2009 on euthanasia, assisted suicide and end of life provisions; and the Law of 24 July 2014 on the rights and obligations of patients.

Palliative care may be delivered in a hospital setting, at an institution approved under health insurance and long-term care insurance regulations, or within the patient’s own home. This means that individuals nearing the end of life in Luxembourg have a genuine range of options when it comes to their care environment, determined by both medical requirements and personal preferences.

Palliative care in Luxembourg is defined as active, ongoing and coordinated care, delivered by a multidisciplinary team. It encompasses the physical, psychological, spiritual and social dimensions of care for the patient, while also offering support to the people closest to them. This includes the management of pain and psychological distress, with contributions from a variety of professionals — doctors, nurses, caregivers, physiotherapists, psychologists and social workers — all working in close collaboration.

Luxembourg also provides what is referred to as “end-of-life support leave.” Under the relevant legislation, individuals are entitled to this form of leave to accompany a dying person — up to 5 days (a maximum of 40 hours) per year and per person at the end of their life. Application forms for this entitlement are available from the National Health Fund (Caisse nationale de santé, or CNS) at www.cns.lu.

What is palliative care in Luxembourg, and who is eligible for it?

Anyone in the advanced or terminal phase of a serious and incurable illness may receive palliative care, which encompasses the relief of both physical pain and psychological distress. Where recovery is not possible, palliative care aims to preserve or enhance the quality of life of the person who is terminally ill and to offer support to their loved ones. This care is delivered with full respect for the individual’s dignity and personal choices, in a continuous and coordinated manner, by a team of specialists from multiple disciplines.

Eligibility for palliative care extends to anyone in an advanced or terminal stage of a serious and incurable condition, irrespective of its cause. No nationality or residency criteria exclude expatriates from this entitlement, provided they are registered within the Luxembourg social security system.

A person becomes eligible for palliative care following the submission of a declaration by their treating physician on a designated form to the Social Security Medical Board (Contrôle médical de la sécurité sociale). Once the right to palliative care is confirmed, it is granted for an initial period of 35 days. In exceptional circumstances, this period may be extended for one or more additional 35-day periods, subject to a substantiated request from the treating physician.

When palliative care is granted or renewed, the National Health Fund (CNS), having received a favourable opinion from the Social Security Medical Board, issues a coverage statement that is forwarded to the treating physician or the care network institution responsible for the patient. The patient themselves is also notified accordingly.

Are there hospices in Luxembourg, and how do you access them?

Luxembourg does have dedicated palliative care facilities. Care can be provided in the patient’s home, in hospital, at Haus Omega — the country’s specialist palliative care centre — and in other approved institutions. Haus Omega is the most prominent specialised palliative care facility in Luxembourg and occupies a central position in coordinating end of life care throughout the country.

The Hospices Civils de la Ville de Luxembourg operate residential care homes that incorporate palliative care provision. These long-established institutions offer round-the-clock multidisciplinary care for their residents, including those in the final phase of life. Access to these facilities is typically organised through the patient’s treating physician in coordination with the relevant care networks.

Unlike larger nations that maintain extensive networks of standalone hospice buildings — such as the model developed in the United Kingdom through the National Health Service — Luxembourg’s comparatively small size means that palliative care is largely provided through a coordinated structure of hospital-based units, approved home care organisations and Haus Omega, rather than through numerous separate hospice establishments. For further information about palliative care networks in Luxembourg, visit the official Guichet.lu portal.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance in Luxembourg, or does it need to be funded privately?

The costs associated with palliative care are met by the National Health Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé — CNS) upon the request of the attending physician. This means that, in contrast to certain other systems where families must arrange private funding for end of life care, Luxembourg’s public health insurance covers the core costs of palliative care once eligibility has been established.

In a hospital setting, a dying patient is entitled to coverage of “palliative care” hospitalisation days — a higher level of reimbursement than that applied to standard hospitalisation. In a home or healthcare facility setting, the patient is entitled to all long-term care insurance benefits, including up to 14 hours of individual or group support per week, such as night nursing, psychological care, or occupational therapy.

For patients receiving palliative care at home, dedicated teams deliver continuous care at all hours. Rates are regulated and may vary according to the type of service, individual circumstances or healthcare scheme. Expats are advised to confirm the precise scope of their coverage with the CNS or their health insurer before care commences. Those enrolled in a private health insurance scheme rather than the CNS should review their policy terms carefully, as coverage for palliative and long-term care may diverge from standard medical insurance provisions.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Luxembourg — such as a living will, advance directive, power of attorney, or healthcare proxy — and how do these work?

Luxembourg law gives individuals the opportunity to record their wishes in writing through an advance directive (concerning palliative care) and/or end of life provisions, in the event they become unable to communicate due to loss of consciousness caused by illness, an accident or dementia.

The validity period of an advance directive is not defined by law — it therefore remains in force until it is modified or revoked. That said, it is advisable to revisit the advance directive every 5 years. The advance directive can set out the individual’s wishes regarding palliative care, pain relief and the limits of medical intervention.

Any patient may complete both an advance directive and an end of life provision. End of life provisions are a distinct and more specific document that constitutes an advance request for euthanasia in the event of irreversible unconsciousness. These must be registered with the Commission Nationale de Contrôle et d’Évaluation (the National Commission for Control and Evaluation).

Luxembourg law also recognises the concept of a “trusted person” (personne de confiance) — a designated individual empowered to relay your wishes to healthcare professionals and to ensure your preferences are honoured. This is functionally comparable to a healthcare proxy or healthcare agent in other legal systems. Expats are strongly advised to designate a trusted person, share copies of their advance directive with their GP, and keep the original document in an easily accessible location. The official government brochure, “My Will at the End of Life,” is available in English at gouvernement.lu.

A general power of attorney (procuration or mandat) covering financial and property matters should also be established before any loss of capacity. This is ordinarily drawn up by a notary (notaire) in Luxembourg and authorises a named individual to manage your affairs. It is a separate instrument from the healthcare-related advance directive.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Luxembourg?

This is a genuinely complex area for expatriates. Luxembourg does not have a specific statute that automatically confers on foreign advance directives or powers of attorney the same legal status as documents drawn up under Luxembourg law. Whether a foreign legal document is recognised will depend on the country in which it was created, how it was prepared, and whether it satisfies the formal requirements set out in Luxembourg law.

In general, documents that have been properly authenticated — for instance through an apostille under the Hague Convention — are more likely to be accepted by Luxembourg authorities and healthcare providers. Nevertheless, Luxembourg healthcare professionals are not legally bound to follow a foreign advance directive in the same manner as they would one issued in accordance with Luxembourg law. It is therefore strongly recommended that any expatriate living in Luxembourg have a Luxembourg-compliant advance directive prepared, even if they already hold an equivalent document from their country of origin.

For general powers of attorney relating to financial matters, EU Regulation No 650/2012 on succession provides a degree of cross-border recognition within the EU, though this does not extend to healthcare decisions. Anyone who has relocated to Luxembourg and holds a foreign power of attorney should take advice from a Luxembourg notary (notaire) or lawyer to confirm its validity and, where necessary, arrange for a new document to be prepared.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg made euthanasia and assisted suicide lawful through legislation that entered into force in 2009. Luxembourg was the third European Union member state — and third country worldwide — to legalise euthanasia. The law was closely modelled on earlier Belgian legislation.

Luxembourg’s law on euthanasia and assisted suicide gives patients the option to end their lives when their suffering is deemed unbearable. Patients in this position are afforded the freedom to determine how their lives will conclude, and physicians who agree to act on such a request are shielded from prosecution. Rigorous legal conditions exist to ensure the transparency and oversight of procedures to bring about voluntary death.

For a request to be legally valid, the patient must: be of legal age and possess full legal capacity to make autonomous decisions; have reached their decision free from any external pressure; have an incurable medical condition with no prospect of recovery; and be experiencing constant and unbearable physical and/or psychological suffering as a consequence of that condition, with no prospect of improvement.

Physicians are required to hold several in-depth conversations with the patient regarding their decision. They must also obtain the opinion of a second doctor. All cases of euthanasia are subject to review by a monitoring commission, which will refer the matter to a prosecutor if breaches of the law are identified.

Patients who are ordinarily resident abroad but have a GP in Luxembourg may make end of life arrangements and have them recorded in their medical file. There are no residency or nationality conditions attached to having such information documented. However, the GP must have been caring for the patient on a sufficiently long and continuous basis.

No physician is under any obligation to carry out euthanasia or assist in a suicide. If a doctor declines, they must inform the patient within 24 hours, including the grounds for their refusal. Minors under 16, persons under guardianship or protection, and legally incapacitated individuals may not lawfully request euthanasia or assisted suicide.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg is a predominantly Catholic country, and Catholic traditions continue to influence many of the customs surrounding death and bereavement, though the country is home to a wide range of faiths and secular perspectives. Funeral masses, formal periods of mourning, and the use of religious symbolism in funeral ceremonies remain prevalent among families with Catholic backgrounds.

Funerals in Luxembourg are typically dignified and formal occasions. Attendance by family, friends and colleagues is customary, and wearing conservative dark attire is expected. A condolence notice (faire-part de décès) is traditionally distributed to inform family and friends of the death and the funeral arrangements. Flowers and written expressions of sympathy are the conventional gestures of condolence.

Burial in a communal cemetery (cimetière communal) remains common practice, though cremation has gained considerable acceptance and is now widely available. It is also traditional in Luxembourg to observe a period of public viewing (veillée mortuaire), enabling family members and friends to pay their final respects before the funeral takes place. While this custom is less universal than it once was, it remains prevalent in more traditional and rural communities.

Luxembourg’s multicultural population — which includes a significant proportion of residents from Portugal, France, Belgium, Italy and other nations — means that a broad variety of funeral traditions are observed. Expats should not feel compelled to follow any particular tradition, and funeral directors in Luxembourg are generally well-versed in accommodating diverse cultural and religious requirements.

What must you do when someone dies in Luxembourg? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

When a death takes place in Luxembourg, there is a clearly defined administrative sequence to follow. Acting without delay is essential, as civil registration must occur promptly. The steps below apply regardless of whether the death occurs at home, in hospital, or in a care facility.

1. Obtain a medical certificate of death. A doctor must confirm the death and issue a medical certificate (certificat de constat de décès). If the person dies in hospital or a care home, the institution’s medical team will typically manage this. If the death takes place at home, contact the deceased’s GP or, outside of regular hours, the emergency medical service.
2. Contact a funeral director (entreprise de pompes funèbres). Families are not legally obliged to engage a funeral director, but in practice most do. The funeral director can assist with the administrative formalities, collection of the body, and arrangements for burial or cremation. They should be contacted as promptly as possible following the death.
3. Declare the death to the local municipality (commune). The death must be formally registered at the civil registry office (bureau de l’état civil) of the commune where the death occurred. This must be done without delay — typically within 24 hours. You will need the medical certificate of death along with identification documents for the deceased.
4. Notify the deceased’s bank and relevant financial institutions. Bank accounts are ordinarily frozen upon notification of death. It is important to inform financial institutions promptly so that the appropriate legal steps can be initiated.
5. Notify the deceased’s employer (if applicable) and relevant social security bodies. Inform the Joint Social Security Centre (Centre commun de la sécurité sociale — CCSS) if the deceased was employed or in receipt of benefits in Luxembourg.
6. Notify the home country embassy or consulate if the deceased was a foreign national. This is a particularly important step for expats and is addressed in detail in a dedicated section below.
7. Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate. You will need several certified copies for insurance claims, estate administration, pension notifications, bank account closures and repatriation if relevant. Request at least 10 copies at the time of registering the death.
8. Contact a notary (notaire) for estate matters. If the deceased held property or assets in Luxembourg, a notary will need to be engaged in the succession process. It is advisable to do this within days of the death.

How is a death officially registered in Luxembourg, and what documents are needed?

In Luxembourg, the registration of a death is handled by the civil registry (état civil) of the commune in which the death occurred. Unlike in some countries where registration may be deferred for several days, Luxembourg requires a prompt declaration — generally within 24 hours of the death taking place.

The person making the declaration (the declarant) is typically a family member, the funeral director, or another authorised individual. They must attend the commune’s civil registry office in person and bring the following documents:

• The medical certificate of death (certificat médical de constat de décès), issued by the certifying doctor
• The deceased’s identity documents (passport, national identity card, or residence permit)
• The deceased’s birth certificate, if available
• The deceased’s marriage certificate, if applicable
• The declarant’s own identity document

The civil registry will subsequently issue an official death certificate (acte de décès). This is the foundational legal document required for all subsequent administrative procedures, including estate administration, insurance claims, pension cancellations and repatriation. Multiple certified copies should always be requested at the point of registration, as each institution will generally require its own original copy. The commune’s civil registry can advise on the exact documentation required — contact details for all communes are accessible via Guichet.lu.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Luxembourg — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

When a foreign national dies in Luxembourg, notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate is a critical and often legally mandated step. Consulates fulfil a significant practical function in helping families navigate both Luxembourg’s administrative requirements and the formalities of the deceased’s country of origin.

The embassy or consulate of the deceased’s home country should be contacted as soon as possible after the death has been registered with the Luxembourg commune. Most embassies and consulates have a duty officer available around the clock to deal with emergencies, including deaths. Contact details for all embassies and consulates in Luxembourg can be found through the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs or via each country’s official government website.

The consulate’s role typically encompasses:

• Issuing or endorsing a consular death certificate or equivalent document recognised in the deceased’s home country
• Informing the next of kin if they have not already been notified
• Assisting with the repatriation of the body or ashes, including the preparation of required documentation
• Providing a list of local funeral directors and translators where needed
• Advising on any formalities required under the law of the deceased’s home country (e.g. probate procedures abroad, pension and benefit notifications)
• Assisting with travel documents for family members travelling to Luxembourg in exceptional circumstances

If the deceased was an EU citizen whose home country is another EU member state, the process is generally more straightforward due to greater administrative coordination within the EU. Non-EU nationals should contact their embassy directly to understand the specific requirements of their home country, as these vary considerably.

How are funerals typically arranged in Luxembourg, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

In Luxembourg, funerals are most commonly organised through a licensed funeral director (entreprise de pompes funèbres). Funeral directors manage all aspects of the process, including the collection and preparation of the body, coordination with the commune, obtaining the necessary permits, and arranging the ceremony along with burial or cremation.

There are two principal options for the disposition of remains in Luxembourg:

• Burial (inhumation): The most traditional choice, carried out in one of Luxembourg’s communal or private cemeteries. Luxembourg communes are responsible for their local cemeteries, and burial plots may be purchased for a set period — typically 25 to 30 years — after which renewal may be required.
• Cremation (crémation): An increasingly common option in Luxembourg. The country has cremation facilities, and ashes may be interred in a columbarium (a communal wall of niches), placed in a grave, or scattered in designated natural areas, subject to local regulations.

Both religious and non-religious funeral ceremonies are widely held. Catholic funeral masses remain traditional, but many families opt for secular services or ceremonies led by ministers of other faiths. Funeral directors in Luxembourg are generally well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of cultural, religious and personal preferences. The choice of ceremony and final disposition rests ultimately with the family, and any lawful wishes expressed in advance by the deceased should be respected.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Luxembourg, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

Funeral costs in Luxembourg can vary considerably depending on the type of ceremony, the funeral home selected, the chosen method of disposition, and additional factors such as the purchase of a burial plot. As a general indication, a basic funeral in Luxembourg may begin at around €2,000–€3,000, while a more comprehensive arrangement including a burial plot, headstone and full ceremony can reach €7,000–€10,000 or more. These figures are indicative only — always request a detailed written quotation from a funeral director before making any decisions, as prices are not universally regulated. Verify current costs directly with local funeral directors.

Regarding financial assistance: Luxembourg’s social security system does not currently offer a universal lump-sum death grant comparable to, for example, the UK’s Funeral Expenses Payment or France’s capital décès. However, some elements of financial support may be available depending on the circumstances:

• Life insurance: Many residents hold private life insurance policies that include a death benefit intended to cover funeral expenses. Check the deceased’s insurance documents as a matter of priority.
• Employer-related benefits: Some employment contracts or collective agreements in Luxembourg include a death gratuity or contribution towards funeral costs. The HR department of the deceased’s employer should be contacted.
• Mutual societies (mutuelles): Some members of Luxembourg mutual health funds may be entitled to a contribution towards funeral expenses — this should be verified with the relevant mutual society.
• The commune: In cases of acute financial hardship, some Luxembourg communes may assist with the cost of a basic funeral for residents who have no family or financial resources. This is at the commune’s discretion.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Luxembourg to another country?

Repatriating the remains of a deceased foreign national from Luxembourg is a regulated process governed by both Luxembourg law and international agreements, including the Strasbourg Agreement of 1973 on the Transfer of Corpses, which Luxembourg has ratified alongside many other European countries.

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Engage a funeral director with international experience. Select a funeral director in Luxembourg with expertise in international repatriation, as they will manage the majority of the documentation and logistical arrangements.
2. Obtain a certified Luxembourg death certificate. This is the foundational document underpinning the entire repatriation process.
3. Obtain a laissez-passer mortuaire (transit permit). This document is issued by the Luxembourg authorities and authorises the transport of the remains out of the country. The funeral director typically makes this application on behalf of the family.
4. Obtain a certificate of non-contagion. A doctor must certify that the deceased did not die of a contagious disease. This is a standard requirement for the cross-border transport of human remains.
5. Coordinate with the consulate of the destination country. The consulate of the country to which the remains are being sent must be notified, and some countries require consular endorsement of the repatriation documentation.
6. Arrange transport. The funeral director organises transport by air, road or rail. Air transport is most frequently used for repatriation outside Europe. The remains must be transported in a sealed, zinc-lined coffin conforming to international specifications.
7. Comply with the destination country’s import requirements. Requirements for importing human remains vary from country to country — encompassing embalming requirements, documentation standards and customs procedures. The funeral director and the consulate of the destination country will provide guidance on these.

The entire repatriation process typically takes between 5 and 10 working days, though this may be extended depending on the destination country and the complexity of the documentation involved. Some international insurance policies — particularly expatriate health or life insurance — cover the costs of repatriation, which can be considerable. The deceased’s insurance documents should be checked at the earliest opportunity.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Luxembourg — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

In Luxembourg, the administration of a deceased person’s estate is managed primarily through a notary (notaire). There is no formal probate court process equivalent to the systems used in common law countries such as Ireland or Canada. Instead, the notary takes on a central coordinating function — verifying the will where one exists, identifying the heirs, valuing the assets, settling outstanding debts and distributing the estate.

EU Regulation No 650/2012 on succession (the EU Succession Regulation) is relevant for expats who hold EU nationality or whose assets are spread across multiple EU countries. Under this regulation, the law of the country of habitual residence at the time of death generally governs the succession. This means that if you are habitually resident in Luxembourg, Luxembourg law will normally apply to your entire estate — including assets held abroad — unless you have made a valid choice of your home country’s law within your will.

Luxembourg does impose inheritance taxes (droits de succession), which are administered by the Administration de l’Enregistrement, des Domaines et de la TVA. The applicable rates vary considerably depending on the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary:

• Surviving spouses and partners (in certain circumstances) may benefit from exemptions or reduced rates
• Direct descendants (children, grandchildren) are taxed at lower rates than more distant relatives or unrelated beneficiaries
• Unrelated beneficiaries may face substantially higher rates

Specific rates and thresholds are subject to change — verify the current figures with a Luxembourg notary or the Administration de l’Enregistrement at www.aed.public.lu. The process of settling an estate typically takes several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the assets involved and whether any disputes arise among the heirs.

If an expat dies without a will in Luxembourg, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

If a person dies intestate (without a valid will) in Luxembourg, their estate is distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules set out in Luxembourg’s Civil Code (dévolution légale). These rules give priority to blood relatives, with inheritance following a fixed hierarchy.

Under Luxembourg intestacy law, the general order of heirs is as follows:

1. Descendants (children, and where a child has predeceased the deceased, that child’s own children by representation)
2. Surviving spouse, whose share is determined by whether there are surviving descendants
3. Ascendants and collateral relatives (parents first, then siblings and their descendants, then more distant relatives)

The rights of the surviving spouse under Luxembourg intestacy law are more limited than in some other European systems — particularly where children from a previous relationship are involved. The precise shares can be complicated, especially in blended family situations, and will depend on whether the deceased was married under a community of property or separation of property regime.

For expatriates, the absence of a will can give rise to significant complications, particularly where assets are held in multiple countries. The EU Succession Regulation provides a framework for cross-border estates within the EU, but disputes and delays are not uncommon. Any expatriate resident in Luxembourg is strongly advised to make a valid will (testament) — ideally drafted or certified by a Luxembourg notary — and to revisit it after any significant life change. A Luxembourg notary can also advise on whether a choice of law clause selecting the law of your home country would be appropriate in your particular circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Is private or foreign health insurance accepted in lieu of Luxembourg’s CNS for palliative care?

Entitlement to public palliative care in Luxembourg is tied to enrolment in the Luxembourg social security system and coverage under the National Health Fund (CNS). Expats who are covered exclusively by private or foreign health insurance — for example, those working for international organisations under separate insurance arrangements — may not automatically access CNS-funded palliative care in the same way. They should review their policy carefully and, if necessary, seek guidance from the CNS or a healthcare adviser about their particular coverage situation.

Do documents such as advance directives need to be in Luxembourgish, French, or German to be valid?

Luxembourg has three official languages — Luxembourgish, French and German — and the legal system operates principally in French and German. Advance directives and end of life provisions should be drawn up in a language that the treating physician and relevant healthcare institution can clearly understand. While there is no absolute prohibition on documents written in other languages, any document in a language other than French, German or Luxembourgish should in practice be accompanied by a certified translation to ensure it is properly understood and acted upon by medical professionals. The official advance directive form published by the Luxembourg government is available in French and German.

How long does the repatriation of remains from Luxembourg typically take?

Repatriation of remains from Luxembourg generally takes between 5 and 10 working days from the date of death, provided all documentation is in order and no complications arise. Destinations outside Europe, or countries with particularly stringent import requirements for human remains, may require additional time. Engaging an experienced funeral director and making early contact with the relevant embassy or consulate will help to minimise any delays.

What support is available to bereaved family members living in Luxembourg?

A number of support services are available to bereaved families in Luxembourg. The Omega 90 association (affiliated with Haus Omega) offers bereavement support and counselling to families who have lost a loved one. Hospitals and care institutions often have social workers and chaplains on hand to provide immediate emotional assistance. The CNS supplies information on social security entitlements following a death, including survivor’s pension rights. Some communes also offer practical support or can direct families towards local services.

Can a surviving partner who is not legally married inherit under Luxembourg law?

Under Luxembourg intestacy law, an unmarried partner holds no automatic right of inheritance. Unlike a legal spouse, an unmarried partner — whether in a long-term relationship or a registered partnership (PACS, or partenariat déclaré) — cannot inherit unless they are specifically named in a valid will. The rights of registered partners (partenaires déclarés) differ from those of spouses under inheritance law, and the precise entitlements should be confirmed with a notary. Drawing up a will is particularly important for unmarried and non-registered couples.

Is euthanasia available to foreign nationals living in Luxembourg?

No residency or nationality conditions exist that bar foreign nationals from accessing euthanasia or assisted suicide in Luxembourg under the 2009 law. The central requirement is that the patient must have a GP in Luxembourg who has been providing care on a sufficiently long and continuous basis, and must satisfy all of the substantive legal conditions. Individuals from other countries who do not have an established GP relationship in Luxembourg would not fulfil this requirement on the basis of a short-term visit.

What happens to a Luxembourg pension or social security benefit when a resident dies?

When a person who was receiving a Luxembourg pension or social security benefit dies, the relevant authority must be notified as promptly as possible — usually by a family member or notary. Any overpayments made after the date of death must be returned. Surviving spouses, registered partners and, in some cases, dependent children may be entitled to a survivor’s pension (pension de survie) from the National Pension Insurance Fund (Caisse nationale d’assurance pension — CNAP). The amount payable and the eligibility criteria are determined by the deceased’s contribution history and family situation. Contact the CNAP at www.cnap.lu for current details.

Can an expat choose to be buried in their home country after dying in Luxembourg?

Yes. There is no requirement for a person who dies in Luxembourg to be buried or cremated there. The family may arrange for the remains to be repatriated to any country for burial, cremation or other disposal in accordance with that country’s laws. The repatriation process requires a transit permit (laissez-passer mortuaire) issued by Luxembourg authorities, a certificate of non-contagion, and compliance with the import requirements of the destination country. A funeral director experienced in international repatriation will guide the family through each stage of the process.