Funeral Services in Riga, Jurmala, and all over Latvia

The cost of a funeral depends on the services chosen — farewell ceremony, coffin and accessories, as well as any additional services. The exact price can be determined after a consultation, with a clear and transparent breakdown of expenses.

For a traditional funeral, a medical certificate stating the cause of death and a death certificate are required. Once these documents are obtained, the funeral arrangements can begin.

In Latvia, funeral benefits can be received from the State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA). This typically amounts to double the pension of the deceased (if the person was a pensioner) or two months’ average salary based on the deceased’s social contributions. If the deceased had no social contributions or pension, a municipal social funeral allowance is available — usually around €430. The VSAA benefit can be applied for at VSAA offices or through the portal latvija.lv, while the municipal benefit is assigned by the social service at the deceased’s place of registration.

In Latvia, including Riga and Jurmala, it is not possible to purchase a grave privately. Funerals can be held at family cemeteries or by arranging a new grave at public cemeteries.

The cost of a grave depends on services provided by the cemetery, for example:

• Document processing
• Grave digging
• Use of coniferous or other decorative materials
• Use of a chapel
• Permission for a vehicle to enter the cemetery grounds

Prices are set according to the rules of each cemetery and the services selected. To get an exact cost, it is recommended to contact the cemetery administration or a funeral service provider.

A secondary burial in a family grave is allowed only 20 years after the previous burial. However, municipal regulations may allow a shorter period.