Finland’s welfare regions to introduce fees for death investigations

Finland’s welfare regions will soon be able to charge a fee for determining the cause of death in most cases, according to a government framework decision, Yle reports. Forensic investigations, however, will remain free of charge.

The proposed fee of €60.60 would cover the process of a doctor conducting an external examination of the deceased, performing a medical autopsy if necessary, issuing a death certificate, and granting a burial permit. The charge would apply even if no autopsy is performed.

“The final political decisions will be clarified as preparations progress, but the current basis is a single fee, without a separate autopsy charge,” said Merituuli Mähkä, a senior government adviser at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The ministry estimates that the fees could generate around €2.8 million annually. Cases requiring forensic investigation—such as deaths from unknown causes, crimes, suicides, poisonings, occupational diseases, or unexpected medical treatment outcomes—would remain exempt from charges.

Welfare regions could also introduce a daily storage fee of €10 for deceased individuals after a burial permit is issued. This fee, like the investigation charge, would be optional for regions to implement. Currently, some regions already charge for storing the deceased.

Last year, Finland recorded over 59,000 deaths, most of which were medically investigated. The reform is still under preparation, with final details to be confirmed by government decisions.