Background & Purpose

The previous system for setting and distributing the funeral fee was seen as complex, prompting the need for a simpler and more effective process.

Proposals & Debate

The government proposed changes to streamline how the funeral fee is calculated and given to those who provide funeral services. Specifically, the fee will now be distributed among the main providers, such as the Church of Sweden, in a manner that Kammarkollegiet (a government agency) will decide each year. No opposition proposals were accepted.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning new, simpler rules for how the funeral fee is determined and distributed will be put into practice.

Does this affect you?

  • Swedish citizens: The way their mandatory funeral fee is calculated and managed will change, aiming for a more streamlined process.
  • Church of Sweden: Will receive its share of the funeral fee based on new, annually determined distribution rules set by Kammarkollegiet.
  • Kammarkollegiet: Gains the responsibility to annually determine how the funeral fee is distributed among providers.

In Practice

  • The process for setting the funeral fee will become simpler and more efficient.
  • Kammarkollegiet will annually decide how the funeral fee is distributed to main providers.
  • New legal changes related to the collection of taxes and funeral services will take effect on September 1, 2023.
  • The new rules for funeral fees and advances will be applied for the first time starting January 1, 2024.
  • The funeral fee rate for 2024 will be the first one determined under these updated regulations.