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Responsible for the service Regional State Administrative Agency

Exhumation and relocation

  • Permit or other obligation
  • Nationwide except the Åland Islands
  • Public service

Exhumation and relocation

Can an interred body or cremated remains be moved to another grave?

In Finnish burial culture, a grave is considered to be a final resting place and the inviolability of graves is important.

An interred body or cremated remains can only be moved to another grave in special circumstances. To relocate an interred body or ashes, you need permission from the compet ...

Do the following

To whom and on what terms

In what circumstances can interred remains be relocated?

We examine each case individually to determine whether grounds for relocation exist. Relocation can be authorised, for example, if

• it was not originally possible to bury the deceased in the location of their or their family’s choice,

• the deceased was a refugee or an asylum seeker, and the situation in their home country changes so that their remains can now safely be moved there, or

• moving the remains is necessary due to important health protection or land use reasons.

We recommend that you contact us as soon as you become aware of a reason to move interred remains to find out more even before you formally request relocation.

Background information

The service is provided by

Regional State Administrative Agency

Responsible for the service

Regional State Administrative Agency
Text edited by: Regional State Administrative Agency
Updated: 16/12/2020