Call +380 77 882 77 77Ask about exhumation
In 30 seconds.
- The exhumation permit (leidimas ekshumuoti žmogaus palaikus) is issued by the NVSC upon an application from close relatives.
- A small state fee is charged for the NVSC permit; we confirm the current amount and processing time with the NVSC.
- If the remains are to be reburied elsewhere after exhumation, the written consent of the person responsible for the grave is required.
- Exhumation costs are paid by the person requesting it.
- Our exhumation costs from €500 plus the cost of transport from Lithuania. We calculate the exact amount based on your situation.
Oleg Zdendiak, ownerpersonally responsible for every case 5,0 129 reviews on Google
Translated from Ukrainian “You were always available, whatever the time…” — Віта Х. “Everything was organised with great dignity, professionally and with attention to every detail.” — Тамара Ю. “Every question was resolved promptly, with respect and attention to detail.” — Olha B. “…your support, compassion, sense of responsibility and professionalism meant a great deal to us.” — Ірина Б. “It all went quickly and professionally…” — Оля К. Who Can Request an Exhumation
Under the Lithuanian Law on the Burial of Human Remains (Žmonių palaikų laidojimo įstatymas, Art. 25) and the Ministry of Health rules on issuing permits, the application is submitted by the spouse or partner, adult children, or parents of the deceased. If there are none, other close relatives may apply.
A separate condition applies to the grave plot. Since 2024, the government requires the written consent of the person responsible for maintaining the grave (už kapavietę atsakingas asmuo) if the remains are to be buried in another place after exhumation. The reason is simple: there were cases where a grave was opened without that person's knowledge. Therefore, we first find out whose name the grave is registered under and whether that person agrees.
If the family is in Ukraine, traveling to Lithuania is usually not necessary. The application can be submitted in writing, by mail, or electronically. We prepare the documents, and you sign a power of attorney. Documents proving kinship will need to be translated into Lithuanian.
Law and Permits
Current regulations:
- Law on the Burial of Human Remains (No. X-1404). Article 25 describes exhumation: before the end of the grave's rest period (kapo ramybės laikotarpis), it is possible upon an application from relatives and with an NVSC permit, or by order of a prosecutor.
- Rules for Issuing a Permit to Exhume Human Remains (order of the Ministry of Health, latest version from November 2022). The permit is issued by the NVSC.
- Cemetery Management Rules (Kapinių tvarkymo taisyklės), approved by the government. This is where the requirement for the consent of the person responsible for the grave is set out.
The NVSC has explained on its website that a permit is required even when the grave's rest period has already expired.
How to Submit an Application
The application is in free form. It states the applicant's details, the name of the deceased, the date of death, the place of burial, and the grave number and date. It can be submitted via the epaslaugos.lt portal, in person at the NVSC, by mail, by courier, or electronically. The state fee is paid before the permit is issued. We confirm the fee and processing time with the NVSC for your case.
When It Is Permitted
Rest Period
The duration of the grave's rest period is set by the cemetery supervisor (kapinių prižiūrėtojas). Until the end of this period, exhumation is only possible with an NVSC permit. We did not find a minimum period after the funeral before which one can request an exhumation in the official materials available to us. We clarify this with the NVSC.
Season
We found no seasonal restrictions in the official materials. The NVSC may set specific conditions in the permit.
Urn or Coffin
Amendments to the law in 2023, according to our information, exempt from the permit requirement the unearthing of urns and the moving of urns from one columbarium niche to another, provided a coffin is not opened in the process. Cemetery approval is still required. We clarify this in each individual case.
How the Exhumation Takes Place
Work at the cemetery is carried out by cemetery staff or a funeral home in coordination with the cemetery supervisor. Sanitary conditions and who must be present are specified in the NVSC permit. Whether relatives can attend is something we clarify.
For transport to Ukraine, the remains are placed into a new hermetic transport coffin with a zinc liner, which is sealed shut. After years in the ground, the old coffin is not suitable for the journey.
Another option is to cremate the remains in Lithuania and transport the urn. An urn is lighter, transport is cheaper, and in Ukraine it can be buried in an existing family grave. However, not all families are ready for cremation for religious or personal reasons. We will calculate the costs for both options, and you decide.
What the Family Should Know in Advance
Someone must dismantle the headstone and fence on the old grave and tidy up the plot. We arrange this with the cemetery before the exhumation. If another family member is buried in the same grave, we discuss this separately with the cemetery: only the permitted part is excavated.
Documents for Transport to Ukraine
Usually required:
- NVSC permit for exhumation;
- written consent of the person responsible for the grave;
- death certificate (mirties liudijimas);
- documents for transporting remains across the border. We check with the local authority in each case which specific Lithuanian document is needed for taking exhumed remains out of the country.
Lithuania and Ukraine are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so Lithuanian documents are apostilled and we translate them into Ukrainian. Ukraine is represented in Lithuania by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania in Vilnius. We coordinate the accompanying border documents with the Embassy. A general list can be found on the documents page.
Reburial in Ukraine
A new burial in Ukraine also requires a permit from the executive body of the local council at the new burial place. Submit the Ukrainian paperwork in parallel with the Lithuanian application so the plot is ready and waiting.
How Much Exhumation Costs in Lithuania
A state fee is paid for the NVSC permit; we confirm the amount with the NVSC. The work at the cemetery itself is paid for by the applicant, as stated by law. We found no official tariff for digging up a grave: the price is set by the cemetery or the funeral company. The new coffin, documents, apostille, and translations are paid for separately.
Our exhumation costs from €500 plus the cost of transport (repatriation) from Lithuania. We calculate the exact amount for your situation. There is no prepayment for transport; payment is made after handover according to the contract.
How Long It Takes
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Consultation, identifying the cemetery and the person responsible for the grave | 1–3 days |
| Power of attorney, consent, family documents | 1–2 weeks |
| NVSC permit | confirmed with the NVSC |
| Exhumation, new coffin, documents, apostille | 1–2 weeks |
| Transport to Ukraine | a few days |
| Reburial in Ukraine | as agreed with the cemetery |
Timeframes depend on government authorities beyond our control.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the exhumation permit in Lithuania?
The National Public Health Center (NVSC) under the Ministry of Health. Without its permit, exhumation before the end of the rest period is not carried out, except by order of a prosecutor.
Who can submit the application?
The spouse or partner, adult children, or parents. If there are none, other close relatives.
How much does the permit cost?
A state fee is paid for the permit. Cemetery work is paid for separately by the applicant. Our exhumation costs from €500 plus transport to Ukraine.
Is the consent of the person maintaining the grave required?
Yes, if the remains will be buried in another place, the written consent of the person responsible for the grave is required.
Is a permit needed to remove an urn?
Under the 2023 amendments, an NVSC permit is not required to unearth an urn, provided a coffin is not opened. Cemetery approval is required. We clarify the details for each case.
Do I need to travel to Lithuania?
Usually not. We submit the application in writing, and you sign a power of attorney.
What to Do Now
- Gather what you have: the name of the cemetery and city, grave number, burial date, and death certificate. Photos of the grave or receipts for the plot are also helpful: they help the cemetery find the record in their registry faster.
- Find out who is registered as the person responsible for the grave, and ask that person to be ready to provide written consent.
- Call us. We will submit the application to the NVSC and make arrangements with the cemetery. For details on transporting remains, see the repatriation of remains from Lithuania page.
We operate 24/7, including on Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Sources
- Žmonių palaikų laidojimo įstatymas Nr. X-1404 (e-seimas)
- SAM įsakymas: Leidimo ekshumuoti žmogaus palaikus išdavimo taisyklės, suvestinė redakcija nuo 2022-11-12 (e-seimas)
- NVSC: Pasikeitė leidimo ekshumuoti žmogaus palaikus taisyklės
- Lietuvos paslaugų katalogas: Leidimo ekshumuoti ar perlaidoti žmonių palaikus, jo dublikato išdavimas
- ePaslaugos: Leidimo ekshumuoti žmogaus palaikus, jo dublikato išdavimas
- LRT/BNS 08.09.2024: Po ekshumavimo kitur perlaidojant palaikus reikės atsakingo asmens rašytinio sutikimo (government decision)
- HCCH: Apostille Convention, status table
- Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania
We will help you find out who can pay
Leave your number. We will call you back and tell you what to check about payment.