Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden
For families bringing someone home to Sweden. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden: what to expect
Bosnian nationals and Swedish residents of Bosnian heritage form a significant community in Sweden, concentrated in cities across Skane, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. The majority arrived as refugees during the 1992 to 1995 conflict. Sweden has one of the largest Bosnian diaspora communities in Europe. Direct flights and EU-adjacent documentation procedures make this a manageable corridor.
- 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.
- Sweden Embassy in Sarajevo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +46 8 405 50 05).
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
Sweden 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden 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 Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Sarajevo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden 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 Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
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 Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. The Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police) is informed if the death was violent or unexplained. Sweden is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Sarajevo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish 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 Sweden.
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