Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Bulgaria to Greece
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Bulgaria
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the Civil Registry (Grazhdanska registratsiya). The Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Bulgaria to Greece: what to expect
Bulgarian nationals form a significant EU immigrant community in Greece, working in agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Bulgaria and Greece share a land border, and EU freedom of movement facilitates labour migration between the two countries. Bulgarian documentation requires certified Greek translation for Greek civil registry purposes. The Greek Embassy in Sofia handles consular matters. This corridor also covers Bulgarian tourists who die in Greece and need repatriation to Bulgarian cities. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Akt za smart (death certificate from Civil Registry)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Sofia registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Bulgaria is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Civil Registry promptly.
- Greece Embassy in Sofia can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Bulgaria to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +30 210 3681 000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Akt za smart (death certificate from Civil Registry) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil Registry (Grazhdanska registratsiya). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Greece Embassy in Sofia 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 Greece
Once all documentation complete. Greece cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Sofia can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Bulgaria to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Bulgaria to Greece takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Bulgaria is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Akt za smart (death certificate from Civil Registry), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Greece Embassy in Sofia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Sofia as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Bulgaria is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Bulgaria, 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 · Bulgaria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions