Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Austria to Slovakia
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Repatriation from Austria to Slovakia: what to expect
Austria and Slovakia share a border and long historical ties through the former Habsburg Empire. The Slovak community in Vienna and eastern Austria is well established, and the two capitals are among the closest in Europe at around 60 kilometres apart. When a Slovak national dies in Austria, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German; certified Slovak translation will still be required for Slovak authorities even though both countries share German as an administrative language on the Austrian side. The Slovak Embassy in Vienna can advise on documentation requirements for the local matrika. Both countries are EU members and Hague Apostille Convention members.
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Standesamt (civil registry) of the local authority promptly.
- Slovakia Embassy in Vienna can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Slovakia
When the body arrives in Slovakia
The Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal; some families also route via Vienna International Airport (VIE), approximately 60 kilometres from Bratislava. Death registration in Slovakia is handled by the local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad (municipal office) or mestsky urad (city office). Death certificates are issued in Slovak; foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Slovak Embassy or Consulate in Vienna can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Slovakia. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Ministry of Interior Civil Registry Division (Matriky) in Slovakia for civil registration queries.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: Austria to Slovakia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (unified) / 133 (police) / 144 (ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Slovakia 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 Slovakia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Slovakia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Austria to Slovakia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Austria to Slovakia 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 Slovakia Embassy in Vienna can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Slovakia 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 Slovak funeral director takes custody at Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport Bratislava (BTS) cargo terminal, or via Vienna International Airport (VIE) for families travelling through Austria. The local matrika (civil registry office) at the obecny urad or mestsky urad registers the death and issues a certificate in Slovak. Foreign documents require certified Slovak translation. Slovakia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2002; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Slovakia is an EU member. 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Austria, 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 Slovakia.
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 Austria (gov.uk) · Austria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions