In Switzerland, it is common to place an obituary notice in a newspaper. But this is often surprisingly expensive. How are the costs calculated?
Which factors influence the price of an obituary notice?
The cost of an obituary notice in Swiss newspapers varies widely—from around 300 CHF in local papers to over 2,000 CHF in national media. These factors determine the final price:
- Newspaper reach: Local, cantonal, and national newspapers differ significantly in price. The NZZ or Tages-Anzeiger charge more due to their large readership compared with regional papers.
- Ad size: Newspapers usually price by millimeter height at a fixed column width. More text or larger images mean higher costs.
- Design: Color ads cost noticeably more than black-and-white versions.
- Publication day: Weekend editions and holidays with higher readership are more expensive than regular weekdays.
- Additional services: Design support, image editing, or express publication incur extra charges.
- Multiple placements: Publishing in different newspapers or language regions multiplies the total cost accordingly.
How to save costs on newspaper obituary notices
With targeted measures, you can significantly reduce ad costs without sacrificing a dignified design:
- Request subscriber discounts: If the deceased was a long-time subscriber, many publishers grant substantial discounts—be sure to mention this when placing the ad.
- Choose cheaper publication days: Tuesday to Thursday is often more affordable than high-circulation weekends.
- Optimize the format: Carefully assess which ad size is sufficient for all essential information. Black-and-white instead of color saves additional costs.
- Use package prices: Many publishers offer discounts for combining the obituary notice with a later thank-you notice.
- Obtain multiple quotes: Comparing prices across newspapers is worthwhile—the differences are often substantial.
Some price examples for an “average obituary notice” in Swiss newspapers
The following price examples (as of June 2025) refer to a black-and-white obituary notice with a height of approximately 155 mm. This often corresponds to a notice with standard text and, for example, a small cross or symbol, without elaborate graphic design by the newspaper. All figures are indicative and without guarantee.
German-speaking Switzerland
| Newspaper | Approx. price – no guarantee |
|---|---|
| NZZ | CHF 3'100.– |
| St. Galler Tagblatt (gesamt) | CHF 2'900.– |
| Tagesanzeiger | CHF 2'800.– |
| Luzerner Zeitung | CHF 2'800.– |
| Zürichsee Zeitung | CHF 1'680.– |
| Basler Zeitung | CHF 1'550.– |
| Thurgauer Zeitung | CHF 1'400.– |
| Oltner Tagblatt | CHF 1'360.– |
| Zürcher Oberländer | CHF 1'360.– |
| Berner Zeitung | CHF 1'300.– |
| Appenzeller Zeitung | CHF 1'200.– |
| Südostschweiz Bündner Zeitung | CHF 1'200.– |
| Der Rheintaler | CHF 1'100.– |
| Klotener Anzeiger | CHF 750.– |
| Zürcher Unterländer | CHF 700.– |
| Sarganserländer | CHF 600.– |
German-speaking Switzerland
| Newspaper | Approx. price – no guarantee |
|---|---|
| Le Temps | CHF 3'000.– |
| 24 heures | CHF 1'700.– |
| Tribune de Genève | CHF 1'650.– |
| Le Nouvelliste | CHF 1'350.– |
| La Liberté | CHF 1'000.– |
Frequently asked questions about costs and placing obituary notices in Switzerland
What information does the newspaper need?
To place an obituary notice, newspapers typically require:
- Full name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased
- Names of the closest surviving relatives
- Ad text (mourning verse, personal message)
- Funeral details (date, time, location)
- Notes on condolences or donation preferences
- Billing contact details
Tip: Prepare a text draft in advance—it makes placement much easier.
Who pays for the obituary notice?
The costs are usually paid from the estate of the deceased. If there are insufficient funds, the relatives placing the notice bear the costs. If several parties place the ad, the invoice can be split. Important: The costs for obituary notices are considered estate liabilities and reduce inheritance tax.
How quickly will an obituary notice be published?
Allow 1–2 working days lead time. Submission deadlines are usually the day before, often at midday or early afternoon. In urgent cases, express publication is possible for an additional fee—ask the newspaper directly about the options.
Does the newspaper assist with design?
Yes, most newspapers offer design assistance. You submit text and preferences (for example, symbols or crosses), and the advertising department prepares a proposal. Complex layouts may incur additional costs. With our intuitive obituary notice configurator you can design the notice yourself and submit it as a finished template—this saves design costs.
What discounts are possible?
Most common: subscriber discounts for long-time readers—be sure to ask! Other options: combo discounts for obituary notice plus later thank-you notice, or volume discounts across multiple titles of the same publisher. The reductions can be substantial—don’t hesitate to inquire.
Which days are cheaper?
Tuesday to Thursday are usually the most affordable days. Saturday editions are significantly more expensive due to higher circulation, as are holiday editions. Prices for regular weekdays (Monday to Friday) remain relatively stable—if you’re flexible, it’s worth asking about the best rates.
Can I place the notice online?
Many larger newspapers now offer online forms for submissions. This is often more convenient than visiting a local office. Alternatively, you can create a purely online obituary notice with us—it reaches the bereaved community worldwide immediately and costs only a fraction of a newspaper ad.