Repatriation of a Body from Abroad
We organise bringing a loved one's body home to Poland from abroad: documents, preparation, transport and handover to the family.
What we take care of
We explain the procedure in the country of death, confirm the list of documents and help you obtain them. We arrange for a local funeral home to prepare the body and the coffin in line with the rules, and we submit the applications for the Polish documents.
We organise road or air transport and the handover of the coffin in Poland at a place agreed with the family. We will give you a price once we know the country, the city and the other details.
How it works under Polish law
Bringing a body to Poland from abroad for burial requires two documents (Article 14(4) of the Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead). First, a permit from the starosta (district head) responsible for the place of burial, issued after consulting the district sanitary inspector. Then a certificate from the Polish consul confirming that the body may be brought to Poland. Each of these documents is issued no later than 3 days after the application is submitted (Article 14(5) of the Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead).
In the country of death, export documents are needed, and they differ from country to country. Many Polish consulates also require confirmation that the coffin is metal and hermetically sealed. Transporting a body in an open coffin is prohibited (Article 12(2) of the Act).
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the starosta's permit?
The person entitled to arrange the burial, that is, the deceased's closest family, or a person who voluntarily undertakes to do so. On the basis of a power of attorney, a funeral home can do it.
Is there a fee 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 fee may apply to the power of attorney, and a consular fee is charged for the consul's certificate.
Can a body be brought home if the death was caused by an infectious disease?
For some infectious diseases the Act allows the permit to be issued only after two years from the death. Whether this restriction also applies to ashes we clarify with the starosta's office and the sanepid in the specific case.