Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Georgia to Austria
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What happens after a death in Georgia
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the Public Services Development Agency (PSDA). Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Documentation is in Georgian and requires certified translation.
Key facts
Repatriation from Georgia to Austria: what to expect
Georgian nationals in Austria include students, professionals, and a growing diaspora, as Georgia's EU Association Agreement and visa liberalisation have encouraged closer mobility links with Austria and other EU member states. Austria and Georgia have bilateral diplomatic ties, and Austria has been active in South Caucasus diplomacy. Georgian documentation requires certified German translation for the Austrian Standesamt (civil registry). The Austrian Embassy in Tbilisi handles consular matters. (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BMEIA, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Georgian) (in Georgian)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Tbilisi registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Public Services Development Agency (PSDA) promptly.
- Austria Embassy in Tbilisi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Georgia to Austria
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +43 1 90115 3775.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in georgian) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Public Services Development Agency (PSDA). Violent or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Tbilisi 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 5-10 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. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Georgia to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Georgia to Austria takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Public Services Development Agency (PSDA) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Georgian) 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 Austria Embassy in Tbilisi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This 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 may need to approve burial or cremation. Austria is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All non-German-language documents require certified German translation.
Cremation in Georgia is available but limited. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
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 Tbilisi 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, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Georgia, 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 · Georgia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions