Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Greece to Cyprus
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Repatriation from Greece to Cyprus: what to expect
Greece and Cyprus share close cultural, linguistic, and historical ties; Greek is the official language in both countries. When a Greek national with Cypriot connections dies in Greece and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Cyprus, the death is registered with the local lixiarheio (civil registry). The lixiarchiki praxi thanatou is issued in Greek and requires no translation for use in Cyprus. The Embassy of Cyprus in Athens can advise on documentation authentication for the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Both countries are EU members; Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983, and Greece is also a member. (Embassy of Cyprus in Athens, 2025; Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 2025.)
- Key document: lixiarchiki praxi thanatou (death certificate) (in Greek)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Athens registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local lixiarheio (civil registry) of the municipality promptly.
- Cyprus Embassy in Athens can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Cyprus
When the body arrives in Cyprus
The Cypriot funeral director takes custody at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO) cargo terminal. In the government-controlled areas, death registration is handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus, with local registration at the municipal council (demos). Death certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1983; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The northern part of Cyprus has been under Turkish military control since 1974 and is not recognised by most countries; the FCDO advises that the Republic of Cyprus does not control these areas. Deaths in the Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri or Dhekelia (British territory) require contact with the Sovereign Base Area Administration. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Cyprus, 2025.)
Consular support
The Cyprus High Commission or Embassy in Athens can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Cyprus. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Families with a death in the northern areas should contact the FCDO for current guidance on consular access.
The process
What happens after a death in Greece
Call 112 for the EU emergency number, 100 for police, or 166 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The lixiarchiki praxi thanatou (death certificate) is registered with the local lixiarheio (civil registry) of the municipality. Police and the eisangeleas (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Greece is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Greece to Cyprus
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (EU unified) / 100 (police) / 166 (ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Lixiarchiki praxi thanatou (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local lixiarheio (civil registry) of the municipality. Violent or unexplained deaths (eisangeleas, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Cyprus Embassy in Athens 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Cyprus
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Cyprus funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Greece to Cyprus
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Greece to Cyprus takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local lixiarheio (civil registry) of the municipality promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (eisangeleas, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: lixiarchiki praxi thanatou (death certificate) 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 Cyprus Embassy in Athens can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Cyprus Embassy in Athens as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (eisangeleas, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The funeral director takes custody at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) cargo terminal. In government-controlled areas, the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus handles death registration, with local registration at the municipal council (demos); certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983; apostille certificates are accepted. Deaths in northern Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas require separate guidance from the FCDO. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Greece has been legal since 2006; facilities are limited but available in Athens and Thessaloniki. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Greece, 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 · Greece repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions