What exhumation is
Exhumation is the removal of remains from a grave. It is usually carried out to rebury them in another plot, to transfer them to another locality, or to place them in a family vault.
The work requires authorisation and must comply with strict sanitary regulations. The family does not go through this process alone — we handle the paperwork, the physical work, and the transport.
When exhumation is permitted
The general rule is that exhumation may take place after 7 years from the date of burial. After this period, the remains may be exhumed at any time of year, without an authorisation from the Direcția de Sănătate Publică (DSP — the county public health authority).
Before 7 years, exhumation is permitted only in two situations: after at least one year, in the period 1 November – 31 March, with a DSP sanitary authorisation, for reburial in another plot; or at any time, on the basis of an order from the public prosecutor or a court.
| Situation | When it may take place | Authorisation required |
|---|---|---|
| SituationMore than 7 years after burial | When it may take placeAt any time of year | Authorisation requiredNo DSP authorisation; only the cemetery administration's agreement |
| SituationBetween 1 and 7 years after burial | When it may take placeOnly in the period 1 November – 31 March, for reburial in another plot | Authorisation requiredThe DSP sanitary authorisation |
| SituationBy order of the public prosecutor or a court | When it may take placeAt any time | Authorisation requiredThe prosecutor's or court's order |
| SituationTransfer to another cemetery | When it may take placeUnder the rules above | Authorisation requiredAdditionally, the receiving cemetery's agreement |
Under the technical and sanitary regulations approved by Government Decision 741/2016 (HG 741/2016).
Authorisations and permits required
The documents required depend on how much time has passed since burial:
- Under 7 years — the sanitary authorisation from the Direcția de Sănătate Publică (DSP)
- After 7 years — no DSP authorisation is needed; only the cemetery administration's agreement
- In all cases — the cemetery administration's agreement for the date of the work
- When transferring to another cemetery — the receiving cemetery's agreement
How the exhumation proceeds
The work is carried out by authorised personnel, in compliance with the sanitary regulations. We first verify the time elapsed and obtain the necessary authorisations, then schedule the work with the cemetery administration.
The exhumation itself involves opening the grave and carefully gathering the remains. These are placed in an ossuary box or, for transfer, in a sealed zinc coffin.
Reburial, transfer, or ossuary
After exhumation, the remains may follow several paths, according to the family's wishes:
- Reburial in the same plot, after work on the grave
- Transfer to another cemetery or locality, in a zinc coffin
- Placing in an ossuary, to free the plot
- Placing in a family vault
Transfer to another locality
Moving remains to another town or cemetery is the most common reason for exhumation. The remains are transported in a sealed zinc coffin, and a reburial takes place at the destination.
We coordinate the entire process, including collection and transport and the receiving cemetery's agreement. If a new burial plot is needed, the cost is added separately.
What is included and what it costs
We include obtaining the authorisations, the work of opening and closing the grave, the ossuary box, and coordination. Transport and a new burial plot are added where applicable.
The total cost of an exhumation with reburial is generally between 1,500 and 4,000 lei. For details, see our exhumation pricing page.
Who handles everything
The family tells us what they need, and we take care of the authorisations, the request to the cemetery, the physical work, and the transport. You do not travel to offices.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our complete funeral services.