Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria
For families bringing someone home to Austria. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria: what to expect
Bosnian nationals form one of Austria's largest former-Yugoslav immigrant communities, with a significant resident population concentrated in Vienna and other cities, many having arrived as refugees during and after the 1992-1995 Bosnian War. Austria accepted large numbers of Bosnian refugees, and the community is now multi-generational. Bosnian documentation requires certified German translation where required by Austrian Standesamt authorities. The Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo handles consular matters. (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BMEIA, 2025.)
- Key document: Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih (extract from the death register), issued by the Matični ured
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying document legalisation.
- Austria Embassy in Sarajevo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Austria: +43 1 90115 3775).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih obtained from the Matični ured.
Tužilaštvo notified if death is suspicious or unexplained.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Sarajevo 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
Export documentation and apostille obtained.
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Austria
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Austria funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Call 124 and ask for an ambulance. Death must be registered at the local Matični ured (Registry Office). Suspicious, violent, or unexplained deaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Tužilaštvo (Prosecutor's Office), which can order a post-mortem before the body is released.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Where the Prosecutor's Office investigates or a post-mortem is required, the process can take 3-5 weeks.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership of the Hague Apostille Convention means documents are endorsed quickly. Connecting flights via Vienna or Zagreb make the cargo logistics manageable once paperwork is in order.
The core documents are: Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih (extract from the death register) with certified English translation, apostille endorsement, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and the export permit. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining all these on your behalf.
The Austria Embassy in Sarajevo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Sarajevo as soon as possible after the death.
A post-mortem is required where the Tužilaštvo (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction over a suspicious or unexplained death. The body cannot be released until the Prosecutor's Office authorises it. Your repatriation specialist will liaise with the relevant authorities throughout.
The Austrian Bestattung takes custody at Vienna International (VIE) cargo terminal. A Leichenbegleitschein must accompany the remains. The local Standesamt registers the death. The Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde approves burial or cremation. Documents not in German require certified translation.
Cremation is available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You will need the death certificate with certified translation and the cremation certificate. Your specialist will advise on the export requirements.
In Austria
When the body arrives in Austria
The Austrian Bestattung (funeral director) takes custody at Vienna International (VIE) cargo terminal. A Leichenbegleitschein (body transport certificate) must accompany the remains. The local Standesamt (registry office) registers the death. The Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde (district authority) may need to approve burial or cremation. Austria is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BMEIA, 2025.)
Consular support
Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Austria. Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) emergency line: +43 1 90115 3775 (24 hours). The Austrian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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 Austria.
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 Bosnia and Herzegovina (gov.uk) · Bosnia and Herzegovina repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions