Repatriation from Latvia to Poland

A death in Latvia: the civil registry and six working days

According to the City of Riga website, a death must be reported within six working days of the death or of the body being found. The report is made in person at any civil registry division in Latvia, not only in the place of residence, and the procedure is free. Relatives, a funeral home representative, a neighbour and other persons may report it.

A medical certificate of the cause of death from a medical institution or doctor is required, as well as the identity document of the person reporting, and, if a court established the death, a copy of the ruling. The office enters the death in the register and issues the death certificate. On the Polish side the case is handled by the Consular Department of the Embassy in Riga. Because the death can be registered at any division, we choose the one closest to the funeral home and watch the six-day deadline.

Documents for the consul: body

According to the Polish mission's website, the following are needed:

• Before the visit: the death certificate from the civil registry office (USC), issued on the basis of the certificate of the cause of death; consent to the conveyance of the body, “LAISSEZ-PASSER FOR A CORPSE”, from the Latvian Veselibas inspekcija (a copy of the certificate of the cause of death, a copy of the death certificate, a certificate from the funeral company that the coffin contains only the body, and an application).
• At the consulate: the original death certificate, a copy of the certificate of the cause of death, an authorisation from a family member for the funeral company, the decision of the city mayor or the starosta permitting the body to be brought in, and an application.