Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Austria to Croatia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Austria
Call 112 for the unified emergency number, 133 for police, or 144 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The Sterbeurkunde is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Austria is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Key facts
Repatriation from Austria to Croatia: what to expect
Austria has a significant Croatian community, reflecting both historical Habsburg ties and more recent migration. The Gradiscansko-Croatian (Burgenland Croatian) community has been settled in Austria for centuries. When a Croatian national dies in Austria and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Croatia, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Croatian translation for use in Croatia. The Croatian Embassy in Vienna can advise on documentation requirements for the maticar (civil registrar). Both countries are EU and Hague Apostille Convention members; Croatia has been a member since 1991. (Croatian Embassy in Vienna, 2025; Croatian Ministry of Administration, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Vienna registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Standesamt (civil registry) of the local authority promptly.
- Croatia Embassy in Vienna can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Austria to Croatia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (unified) / 133 (police) / 144 (ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Standesamt (civil registry) of the local authority. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Croatia Embassy in Vienna 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Croatia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Croatia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Croatia
When the body arrives in Croatia
The Croatian funeral director takes custody at Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG), Split Airport (SPU), Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), or Zadar Airport (ZAD) cargo terminal, depending on the destination. Death registration in Croatia is handled by the maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office. Death certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1991; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. Croatia is an EU member since 2013. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Croatian Ministry of Administration, maticar, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Croatia, 2025.)
Consular support
The Croatian Embassy in Vienna can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Croatia. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Croatian translation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Austria to Croatia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Austria to Croatia takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Standesamt (civil registry) of the local authority promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Croatia Embassy in Vienna can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Croatia Embassy in Vienna as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Croatian funeral director takes custody at Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV), or Zadar (ZAD) cargo terminal. The maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office registers the death; certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Austria is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Austria, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Austria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions