Funeral Services

To operate a funeral services business in France, you must obtain a prefectural authorization (habilitation préfectorale) from the prefect of your department. This covers body transport, funeral organization, thanatopraxy (preservation care), coffin and urn supply, funeral home management, and provision of hearses and personnel. The authorization is valid for five years and must be renewed.

You and your staff must hold the relevant professional diplomas for each role. Training requirements vary by position, with up to 140 hours of theoretical training and 140 hours of practical training in an authorized company depending on the role (funeral director, funeral advisor, thanatopractor). You apply by submitting a dossier to your departmental prefecture.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Professional qualifications: National diplomas mandatory for funeral directors (70 hours training), funeral advisors (140 hours), and thanatopractors (195 hours theoretical + 12 months practical).
  • Good character: The manager must not have been convicted of personal bankruptcy, fraud, breach of trust, grave violation, corruption, or other specified crimes and offenses.
  • EU/EEA nationals: Permanent practice possible with 3 years experience or 2 years with recognized training; temporary practice possible if legally established in a Member State.
  • Qualified personnel: Certificates of competence mandatory for all employed agents.

Authorization Procedure

  • Application file: Submit to the prefect of the establishment location a declaration with company name, legal form, civil status of representative, list of activities, tax and social security documentation, professional capacity certificates, and personnel status.
  • Specific documents: Conformity certificates for transport vehicles (inspection every 3 years by Cofrac), funeral home (prefectural authorization + Cofrac conformity), and crematorium if applicable.
  • Duration and renewal: Authorization valid for 6 years; any change must be notified to the prefect within 2 months.
  • Registration: Registration with the Commercial and Companies Register (RCS) or Trades and Crafts Directory (RMA) depending on activity.

Regulatory Obligations

  • Information to families: Documents and quotes must mention name, address, legal representative, RCS/RM number, legal form, authorization, and capital. Quotes must distinguish supplies/services from amounts paid to third parties.
  • Public establishment (ERP): Compliance with fire safety and accessibility standards if premises are open to the public.
  • Funeral home: Authorization request to prefect with notice, location plan, and notice published in two local newspapers; 2-month period for municipal council opinion + 2 months for decision (silence means authorization).
  • Crematorium: Prefectural authorization mandatory; administrative silence means rejection.