Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families ask us most often.
Where do I start when a loved one has died abroad?
Contact us by phone, in a messaging app or through the form. Tell us the country and city and whether you want to bring home the body or the ashes. We will explain the next steps.
How much does it cost to bring a body to Poland from abroad?
The price depends on the country, the city, the documents and the type of transport. We will give you a price once we know the details.
How long does it take to bring a body home from abroad?
We confirm the timing once we have the documents. The Act provides that the starosta and the consul issue their documents at the latest within 3 days of the application (Article 14(5) of the Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead); in practice time is also needed for the sanepid's opinion, delivering the originals, formalities in the country of death and transport.
Which documents are needed?
Usually the death certificate from the country of death, the export documents issued in that country, the permit from the starosta (district head) responsible for the place of burial and the certificate from the Polish consul. We confirm the exact list for the country of death.
Who issues the permit to bring in a body?
The starosta (or the mayor of a city with district rights) responsible for the place of burial, after consulting the district sanitary inspector.
Do I have to pay for the starosta's permit?
According to the powroty.gov.pl portal (as of 8.06.2026), there is no stamp duty for the permit itself. A consular fee is charged for the consul's certificate.
Are permits needed for an urn with ashes too?
Yes. The rules on transporting bodies apply accordingly to ashes, so the starosta's permit and the consul's certificate are needed.
Can I carry the urn myself?
Ashes in a sealed container can be carried by any means of transport, but documents are needed and you must follow the rules of the carrier and of the country of death.
Is it better to bring the body home or to arrange cremation on the spot?
That is the family's decision. We will give you the price of both options and explain the formalities. A body brought from abroad can also be cremated in Poland.
Who pays for bringing the body home?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if the deceased was insured, the insurer bears the costs; without insurance, the family or a person who undertakes to do so. The consulate does not cover the cost of transport.
How much is the funeral allowance?
PLN 7,000 for a death on or after 1 January 2026 (ZUS and KRUS). The application is submitted within 12 months of the date of death.
Do I have to transcribe the death certificate?
It is not a condition for bringing the body home. A Polish death certificate does, however, make later official matters easier, for example inheritance.
What is a laissez-passer or Leichenpass?
It is a passport for the body, issued in the country from which the body is taken out. In Germany it is called a Leichenpass. The Polish consul issues a separate certificate for bringing the body into Poland.
Do documents from abroad have to be translated?
It depends on the authority. The starosta's office may ask for a sworn translation of the death certificate, while some consulates accept documents without translation.
Is transport by car or by plane?
From many European countries transport by a specialised vehicle is possible; from overseas countries, by plane. We agree the option with you.
Can the coffin be opened after arrival in Poland?
The rules forbid opening the coffin once it is closed. The exception is opening it at the crematorium if a body brought from abroad is to be cremated.
Do you help organise a funeral in Poland?
Yes, if you wish. We agree the scope and the price with you before we start.
What details do you need to begin with?
The country and city where your loved one is, whether it concerns a body or ashes, and your contact details. Please do not give the cause of death or any medical data.