What the cemetery-plot concession is
The concesiune is the right of use over a cemetery plot, granted by the cemetery administration. The plot does not become your property; you receive the right to use it for a set period.
The concession is recorded in a contract. Under it, the holder may bury, arrange, and maintain the plot within the limits of the cemetery's regulations.
How long the concession lasts
The duration is set by the cemetery's regulations. In many localities, the concession is granted for one of several standard periods:
| Duration | Notes |
|---|---|
| 7 years | The shortest; renewable |
| 25 years | A medium duration; frequent |
| 49 years | A long duration; higher fee |
| Unlimited | Increasingly rare today |
Renewing the concession
At expiry, the concession may be extended on application, with payment of the corresponding fees. Renewal is not automatic; it must be requested in good time.
If renewal is not requested within a short period after expiry, the plot may be re-conceded by the administration. This is why it is important to track the expiry date.
Law 102/2014 on cemeteries and funeral servicesThe right of pre-emption (drept de preempțiune)
At expiry, the concession holder has a drept de preempțiune — priority right of renewal ahead of other applicants. The plot is not given to someone else as long as the holder wishes to keep it.
If the concession holder dies, the right of pre-emption passes to the legal or testamentary heir. In this way, the plot remains in the family.
Transfer to heirs
The right of use over a cemetery plot may be passed to heirs. They take over the concession and may extend it, with the right of pre-emption.
Transfer is normally effected through the certificat de moștenitor (certificate of heirship) and with the consent of the cemetery administration. In this way the plot passes from generation to generation.
Loss of the right of use
The concession may be lost in several situations — non-payment of fees, failure to renew at expiry, or serious neglect of the plot, in accordance with the regulations.
This is why maintaining the plot and paying fees on time matter. See also our page on plot maintenance.
Concession versus ownership
Unlike ownership, the concession cannot be sold and does not pass permanently into the holder's patrimony. It is a right of use, tied to a contract and to regulations.
A cemetery plot therefore cannot be sold freely, but it can be passed to heirs and renewed, as long as the conditions of the concession are met.
Documents for the concession
For the concession and for renewal, the cemetery administration requires several documents:
- Application for the concession or for renewal
- Holder's identity document
- Existing concession contract, on renewal
- Certificate of heirship, on transfer
New concession or transferred concession
A cemetery-plot concession may be acquired in several ways:
- A new concession from the cemetery administration
- Taking over a concession from an heir
- Re-conceding a vacant, expired plot
- Extending an existing concession at expiry
How we help
We help you obtain or renew the concession, transfer the right to heirs, and prepare the documents, coordinating with the cemetery administration.
We are available day and night. Call us or see our cemetery plots for a no-obligation conversation.