Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Serbia and bringing ashes home

For some families, arranging cremation locally and carrying ashes home is the right choice, and it can be quicker than full repatriation. This page sets out what Serbia requires, and what to check before you decide.

WhatsApp us 24/7 Full repatriation guide for Serbia

Cremation in Serbia

What applies in Serbia

Cremation arrangements in Serbia depend on local facilities and on whether an investigation is open. Contact us and we will confirm the current position before you make any decision.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Who must release the body

Maticna knjiga (Births, Deaths and Marriages Register), local municipality; Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia; Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade; MUP (Ministry of Interior); Javno Tuzilastvo (Public Prosecutor's Office)

Treaty position

Signatory to the Council of Europe Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses (Strasbourg, 1973)

Airline guidance

Carrying ashes on the flight home

Departure airports: BEG (Nikola Tesla Airport, Belgrade)

Carriers serving the UK: Air Serbia; Wizz Air; Ryanair

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Serbia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Serbia the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Maticna knjiga (Births, Deaths and Marriages Register), local municipality; Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia; Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade; MUP (Ministry of Interior); Javno Tuzilastvo (Public Prosecutor's Office) has to release the case first
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Serbia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Serbia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Serbia

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Serbia.

Talk to us about cremation in Serbia

We deal with Maticna knjiga (Births, Deaths and Marriages Register), local municipality; Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia; Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade; MUP (Ministry of Interior); Javno Tuzilastvo (Public Prosecutor's Office) and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.