Open cemeteries in Riga and Jurmala: where burial arrangements can be made
Funeral organization begins with an important and often complex question – choosing a cemetery. In Latvia, and especially in the capital, this process is regulated by strict municipal rules. Relatives often face questions such as: which cemeteries in Riga are open, where a new burial plot can be arranged, what to do if there is no family plot, and what alternatives exist.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at how the cemetery system in Riga is organized, which cemeteries are open, partially closed, or closed, in which cases exceptions are possible, as well as the situation in Jūrmala and other cities and regions of Latvia.
Cemeteries of Riga: what you need to know
What you need to know about Riga cemeteries before organizing a funeral
All cemeteries in Riga are managed by the city municipality and are divided into three main categories: open, partially closed, and closed. The possibility of burial depends on several factors:
- the status of the cemetery;
- the presence of a family plot;
- the last registered place of residence of the deceased;
- the chosen method of burial – traditional or after cremation.
Understanding these nuances helps to determine possible options in advance and avoid delays in processing documents.
Open cemeteries in Riga
Open cemeteries in Riga are cemeteries where a new burial plot can be arranged, as well as burial in existing family graves.
A new plot is provided if:
- the last registered place of residence of the deceased was Riga;
- municipal rules requirements are met.
Open cemeteries in Riga include:
These cemeteries are most often considered by families who require a new burial plot within the city.
Partially closed cemeteries in Riga
Partially closed cemeteries in Riga do not provide new plots but allow:
- burial in existing family graves;
- burial in certain cases with municipal permission.
These cemeteries include, among others:
- I Meža Cemetery
- II Meža Cemetery
- Mikēla Cemetery
- Raiņa Cemetery
- Sarkandaugava Cemetery
- Pļavnieki Cemetery
- Matīsa Cemetery
- Jugla Cemetery
- Bikeri Cemetery
- Lāčupes Cemetery
- Ziepniekkalns Cemetery
- Pleskodāle Cemetery
- New Jewish Cemetery
- Old Bolderāja Cemetery
If a family has a family plot, partially closed cemeteries in Riga remain an option for burial.
According to the rules, partially closed cemeteries in Riga may allocate a burial plot for individuals who have special merits to the Republic of Latvia or the city of Riga.
The basis is a submission from:
- a government agency;
- a creative union;
- a professional or public organization.
Closed cemeteries in Riga
Closed cemeteries in Riga completely exclude:
- the provision of new burial plots;
- burial in family graves.
An exception is allowed in the case of burial of an urn with cremated remains in an existing family grave if permitted by the rules of a specific cemetery.
Closed cemeteries in Riga include:
- Tornakalns Cemetery and Tornakalns Orthodox Cemetery
- Martina Cemetery
- Kapsila Cemetery
- Sarkandaugavas Kalns Cemetery
Cremation in Riga as a practical alternative
In situations where Riga cemeteries are closed or there is no family plot, cremation is increasingly chosen. This method of burial provides more flexibility:
- the urn can be buried in a family grave;
- placed in a columbarium;
- transported for burial in another city or region of Latvia.
Cremation expands options and simplifies organizational issues.
The ANGEL funeral home provides a full range of services for organizing cremation in Riga: from consultation and document processing to transportation, conducting a farewell ceremony, and subsequent burial of the urn. If you do not know where to start or want to entrust the process to professionals, ANGEL specialists are ready to help and take all organizational matters into their care. You can contact us at any time – we operate 24/7:
Municipal burial rules in Riga: how the registration process works
In Riga, burial is carried out in accordance with the established municipal procedure. All cemeteries in Riga are managed by the city municipality, and the registration process is strictly regulated.
To receive the service, the funeral organizer places an order for the burial plot registration process with the cemetery administration. The list of such services includes:
- arrangement and payment for grave digging (in a family grave, as a reburial, or in a new plot);
- pine branches, bell, chapel, and other ritual services;
- burial in a coffin;
- burial of an urn with ashes after cremation – in the ground or in a columbarium.
To arrange a burial, the following must be provided:
- death certificate;
- grave maintenance contract (or arrange it on site);
- identification document;
- in some cases – additional permits (for example, for reburial or special allocation of a plot).
Payment for services is made through the cemetery administration according to established procedures.
We, ANGEL funeral home, handle all these formalities: we will help collect documents, arrange the order for burial or cremation, coordinate all issues with the cemetery administration, and accompany you at every stage. You can contact us for consultation at any time – we work 24/7:
Cemeteries of Jūrmala: what you need to know
Cemeteries in Jūrmala are managed by the municipality “Jūrmala Cemeteries”. Most of the city's cemeteries are partially closed.
These cemeteries include:
- Ķemeri Cemetery
- Old Cemetery
- Jaundubulti Cemetery
- Beberbeki Cemetery (managed jointly with Babīte municipality)
Burial there is only possible if a family plot exists.
Open cemetery in Jūrmala and cremation
New Forest Cemetery in Sloka is the only cemetery in Jūrmala open for new burials. A new plot is provided if the deceased was registered as a resident of Jūrmala.
A columbarium is also located at the Forest Cemetery. Cremation in Jūrmala often becomes a convenient solution, especially if there is no family plot.
ANGEL funeral home also provides full organization of cremation in Jūrmala: assistance with document processing, transportation, conducting the ceremony, and subsequent placement of the urn in a columbarium or burial. If you need support or consultation, you can contact us – we accompany families at every stage and operate 24/7:
Burial in other cities and regions of Latvia: where to find information
Unlike cemeteries in Riga and Jūrmala, in other cities and regions of Latvia the rules are often less strict. Information on burial can be obtained:
- at the municipality of a specific city or region;
- from the administration of the local cemetery;
- on official municipal websites;
- through a funeral home operating throughout Latvia.
These options are particularly considered after cremation, when the urn can be transported and buried in another region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a person not registered in Riga be buried there?
As a rule, a new plot is not provided, except for family graves or special cases.
What to do if suitable cemeteries in Riga are closed?
Consider cremation and alternative burial options.
Is it necessary to personally contact the cemetery administration in Riga?
Personal presence is mandatory. When organizing a funeral, all issues related to the coordination of the burial plot, documents, and service arrangement can be handled by the funeral organizer, but a relative must visit the cemetery manager’s office to sign the burial plot contract, and in the case of a family grave – after documents are prepared, the relative must show the grave to the gravedigger to confirm that burial is possible.
Can I choose a cemetery in advance?
Yes, if a family plot exists or when planning cremation.
How long does the registration of burial or cremation in Riga take?
Timing depends on the specific situation, cemetery status, and availability of documents. In most cases, registration takes from one to several business days, and with professional assistance, the process is significantly faster.
Assistance in choosing a cemetery and organizing a funeral
ANGEL funeral home helps to:
- determine which cemeteries are available in a particular situation;
- choose the optimal option for burial or cremation;
- prepare documents and approvals;
- organize funerals in Riga, Jūrmala, and other regions of Latvia.
If you have questions about cemeteries in Riga, Jūrmala, or other cities in Latvia, contact us. We provide free consultations and operate around the clock, 00–24, helping you go through this stage calmly and with support: