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  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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  1. Home
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  4. After a death
Retirement & bereavement

After a death

Official name: Organise the steps after a death

A person has died. This is a hard time. Here you see step by step what needs to be done now and who helps you.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
5 key steps, up to 8 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
Ärztlicher Dienst / Bestattung
Costs
none named in the sources
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Have a doctor confirm the deathA doctor must confirm the death. This is called Totenbeschau. It confirms that the person has died.Key step
    Why?
    Nothing else can happen without this. It is the first official step.
    What you do
    Did the person die at home? Then get a doctor. Do not change the person's clothes before that. Are you unsure whether they are still alive? Call the ambulance right away.
    Where?
    Ärztlicher Dienst / BestattungDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Clarify medical certification and responsibility

    For a death at home arrange medical certification and examination. Do not change the deceased person’s clothing beforehand. If unsure whether the person is alive, seek emergency assistance immediately.

    SourceErste Schritte bei einem Todesfall
    Erste Schritte bei einem Todesfall

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Plan the funeral with the undertakerA funeral company is a business. It takes care of the funeral. Often it also handles visits to offices.Key step
    Why?
    The company takes a lot of work off you. So you do not have to do everything alone.
    What you do
    Call a funeral company. Ask about services and costs. Write down who reports the death to the Standesamt.
    Where?
    BestattungsunternehmenDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Discuss funeral arrangements and delegated administrative steps

    Contact a funeral provider and clarify services, costs and delegated notifications. Record who will notify the registry office.

    SourceErste Schritte bei einem Todesfall
    Erste Schritte bei einem Todesfall

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Report the death to the StandesamtThe Standesamt records the death officially. For this, someone must report the death there. After that there is a certificate.Key step
    Why?
    There is a deadline for reporting. A deadline is a time by which something must happen. It starts with the Totenbeschau.
    What you do
    Ask the institution or the funeral company whether the report has been made. Is it unclear? Then ask right away.
    Where?
    Standesamt / BestattungDirectly with the named service
    Related plansRequest a replacement death certificate
    In detail

    Coordinate notification and the certificate

    Check with the institution or funeral provider whether notification is complete. The official deadline relates to the examination; promptly clarify pending notification. No date is calculated from a self-reported time of death.

    SourceErste Schritte bei einem Todesfall
    Erste Schritte bei einem Todesfall

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4List who else must be toldMany places need to know about the death. For example banks, insurers and offices.For everyone
    Why?
    The Standesamt informs some places itself. Others you must inform yourself.
    What you do
    Look at the official list. Write down whom you still need to inform.
    Where?
    Betroffene EinrichtungenDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    List additional personal notifications

    Review the official list for banks, insurers, authorities and other providers. The registry office notifies some services; record which personal notifications remain.

    SourceMeldungen nach dem Todesfall
    Meldungen nach dem Todesfall

    oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Check contracts and who may actA contract is an agreement, for example for a phone, electricity or a flat. Authority to act means you may act for someone.Key step
    Why?
    Contracts often keep running. Not everyone may change or end them.
    What you do
    Write down all contracts. Ask each company what to do and who may act. For the flat and the inheritance, get expert advice first.
    Where?
    Vertragspartner / qualified adviceDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Your list of contracts and contacts
      Document explained

      Organisational list only; clarify authority and evidence with the provider.

      Requirement
      Optional / if available
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceVerträge nach einem Todesfall
      Verträge nach einem Todesfall

      Bundesministerium für Justiz · retrieved on 09/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Review contracts and authority to act

    Gather ongoing contracts and clarify with providers whether change, transfer or termination is appropriate and who may act. Obtain qualified advice on housing and estate matters before making binding declarations.

    SourceVerträge nach einem Todesfall
    Verträge nach einem Todesfall

    Bundesministerium für Justiz · retrieved on 09/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Talk to the hospital or care home
  • Sort out a death abroad
  • Inform the employer
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

Where did the person die?

What is meant? Where did the person die? This decides who takes the first steps.

Where did the person die?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

The steps name no clear online channel. Check the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceErste Schritte bei einem Todesfall
Erste Schritte bei einem Todesfall

oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

Open original source
SourceTodesfall dem Arbeitgeber melden
Todesfall dem Arbeitgeber melden

oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

Open original source
SourceMeldungen nach dem Todesfall
Meldungen nach dem Todesfall

oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 09/10/2026

Open original source
SourceVerträge nach einem Todesfall
Verträge nach einem Todesfall

Bundesministerium für Justiz · retrieved on 09/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

Request a replacement death certificateRetire and get a pensionApply for an old-age pensionAdd missing pension periodsGet your insurance record statementAdvice on care and support
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