Apbedīšanas birojs “Namejs”
+371 28835859 · +371 29701694 · 24/7 · Zaļā iela 25, Līvāni

What to do when a loved one dies

1. 1

   The first hours

   If the death occurred at home and was natural — contact the deceased’s family doctor (GP). The doctor confirms the death and issues a medical certificate of the cause of death.

   If the death was sudden, unexplained or violent — call 112.

   If the person died in hospital — the hospital issues the certificate (after an autopsy — the pathology department).

   Then call us — at any time of day or night. We will talk through what happens next.

2. 2

   Register the death

   The death must be reported to a civil registry office (dzimtsarakstu nodaļa) within 6 working days. Any registry office in Latvia will do; registration is free of charge and the death certificate is issued the same day.

   Bring: the medical certificate of the cause of death, the deceased’s passport or ID card and your own ID.

   Līvāni civil registry office: Rīgas iela 77, Līvāni · +371 65307265 · [email protected]

3. 3

   Plan the farewell with us

   Together we choose the date and place of the funeral, the grave, coffin, flowers, music and the order of the ceremony. The law sets no deadline for the funeral — the family chooses the date.

   For a grave plot, contact the cemetery manager (parish or municipal office). A grave permit and the death certificate are needed for the burial.

4. 4

   Apply for benefits

   VSAA funeral benefit — must be claimed within 6 months of the date of death by the person who arranged the funeral. Apply on latvija.gov.lv, at a VSAA office, by e-mail with a secure e-signature, or at the registry office when registering the death.

   • if the deceased was a pensioner — two months’ pension;
   • if employed — twice the average insured wage, but not less than €1,487.77;
   • if a dependent family member of an insured person — €561.

   Līvāni municipality benefit — €120, if the deceased’s declared residence was in Līvāni municipality. Claim it within 2 months at the registry office (application and a copy of the death certificate).

5. 5

   After the funeral

   Inform the bank, employer and service providers, showing the death certificate.

   Inheritance — contact a notary. There is no legal deadline for opening the case, but heirs must come forward within the period stated in the notary’s announcement.

   If both spouses received a pension, the surviving spouse can claim 50% of the deceased’s pension for 12 months (apply within 6 months).