Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Sweden 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 Sweden requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Sweden

Cremation in Sweden

Can you cremate someone in Sweden?

Cremation arrangements in Sweden 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

Rättsmedicinalverket, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm

Treaty position

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

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Departure airports: ARN (Stockholm Arlanda Airport); GOT (Gothenburg Landvetter Airport); MMX (Malmö Airport)

Carriers serving the UK: SAS Scandinavian Airlines; British Airways; Ryanair

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Sweden

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case.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

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether Rättsmedicinalverket, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm 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 Sweden guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Sweden

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Sweden

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

Official lists for Sweden

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Translators and interpreters, for certified translation of the death certificate and permits

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Sweden

Talk to us about cremation in Sweden

We deal with Rättsmedicinalverket, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm and the local funeral directors directly. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.