Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Croatia to Austria
For families bringing someone home to Austria. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Croatia to Austria: what to expect
Croatian nationals form a significant community in Austria, with families who arrived as labour migrants from the 1960s onward and subsequent generations settling permanently, particularly in Vienna and Graz. Austria and Croatia are both EU members, and the Croatian diaspora in Austria is among the largest outside Croatia. Croatian documentation requires certified German translation for Austrian civil registry purposes. The Austrian Embassy in Zagreb handles consular matters.
- Key document: Smrtovnica (death certificate from Matični ured)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Croatia is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the local Matični ured promptly.
- Austria Embassy in Zagreb can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Croatia
Repatriation from Croatia begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Matični ured (Registration Office) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 3-7 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the State Attorney's Office, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Austria as air cargo. A funeral director in Austria then takes custody. The full process most often takes 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Croatia 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. Smrtovnica (death certificate from Matični ured) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Matični ured (Registration Office). State Attorney's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Zagreb 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 Austria
Once all documentation complete. Austria cargo terminal
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
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 Zagreb 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Croatia to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Croatia to Austria takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Croatia is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Smrtovnica (death certificate from Matični ured), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Austria Embassy in Zagreb can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Zagreb as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
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 in Croatia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Austria is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Smrtovnica, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Croatia, 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 Croatia (gov.uk) · Croatia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions