Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Albania to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Albania to Italy: what to expect
Albanian nationals form one of Italy's oldest and largest immigrant communities, with over 400,000 residents concentrated in Calabria, Puglia, and Tuscany. The Albania to Italy corridor is well-established with direct air and ferry connections from Tirana and Durres.
- Key document: Vertetika e vdekjes (death certificate from Civil Status Office)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Albania is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the Zyra e Gjendjes Civile (Civil Status Office) promptly.
- Italy Embassy in Tirana can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Albania
After a death in Albania, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Zyra e Gjendjes Civile (Civil Status Office), and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 3-7 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Italy as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in Italy.
Step by step
Timeline: Albania to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Vertetika e vdekjes (death certificate from Civil Status Office) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Zyra e Gjendjes Civile (Civil Status Office). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Italy Embassy in Tirana notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Italy
Once all documentation complete. Italy cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Tirana can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Albania to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Albania to Italy takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Albania is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Vertetika e vdekjes (death certificate, certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Italy Embassy in Tirana can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Tirana as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Cremation in Albania is available. Bringing the ashes home to Italy is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Albania, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Italy.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Albania (gov.uk) · Albania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions