Death of a Loved One Abroad: What to Do
The most important steps after the death of a loved one abroad, in the order in which they usually have to be done.
1. Registering the death in the country of death
A death is registered first in the country where it occurred, under that country's rules. This is usually dealt with by the hospital, a doctor, the police or a local funeral home. The death certificate from the country of death will be needed in all the following steps.
2. Contacting the Polish consulate
The Polish consul helps with formalities on the spot and, through the voivodeship office (urząd wojewódzki), can notify the family in Poland. The consulate does not, however, cover the cost of transporting the body (according to information from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on consular assistance).
3. Insurance
Check whether the deceased had travel insurance or other insurance covering death. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the insurer then bears the costs of bringing the body home, and without insurance the family or a person who undertakes to do so. Report the death to the insurer as soon as possible.
4. The decision: body or urn
The family decides whether to bring the body home or to arrange cremation on the spot and transport the urn. In both cases a permit from the starosta (district head) and a certificate from the Polish consul are needed.
5. Documents in Poland and transport
The application for the permit is submitted to the starosta responsible for the place of burial, then to the consul. Each of these offices has up to 3 days from the submission of the application to issue the document (Article 14(5) of the Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead). In parallel, the funeral home in the country of death prepares the export documents and the coffin or urn. We can handle all of this for you.
Frequently asked questions
Will the consulate pay for bringing the body home?
No. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consul helps with formalities but does not cover the cost of transporting the body.
Where do I start?
By obtaining the death certificate in the country of death and checking the insurance. You can also call us straight away and we will go through it together.