Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to Lithuania
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Repatriation from Ireland to Lithuania: what to expect
Ireland has a large and long-established Lithuanian community, among the largest per capita in Europe, with roots in the post-EU accession migration of 2004. The Lithuanian-Irish community is concentrated in Dublin, Cork, and other cities. When a Lithuanian national dies in Ireland and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Lithuania, the death is registered with the General Register Office (GRO) or the local registrar. The Lithuanian Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division). Irish death certificates require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania and Ireland are both Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025; Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Lithuania High Commission or Embassy in Dublin for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the General Register Office (GRO) or local registrar promptly.
- Lithuania Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Lithuania
When the body arrives in Lithuania
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. Death registration in Lithuania is handled by the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality under the Ministry of Justice. The mirties liudijimas (death certificate) is issued in Lithuanian; all foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025.)
Consular support
The Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Lithuania. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) in Lithuania for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The death must be registered with the General Register Office (GRO) or the local registrar as soon as possible after the death. A coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a coroner's certificate before the body can be moved internationally. Ireland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Irish Embassy or Consulate at the destination can assist Irish nationals abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs issues emergency travel documentation for deceased Irish nationals where required.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to Lithuania
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Contact the Lithuania High Commission or Embassy in Dublin.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the General Register Office (GRO) or local registrar. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Lithuania High Commission or Embassy in Dublin 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 (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Lithuania
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Lithuania funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ireland to Lithuania
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to Lithuania takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the General Register Office (GRO) or local registrar promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 Lithuania Embassy in Dublin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Lithuania Embassy in Dublin as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. The Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality registers the death and issues the mirties liudijimas (death certificate) in Lithuanian. All foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation before submission to Lithuanian authorities. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports.
Cremation in Ireland is available at several licensed crematoria. A second medical certificate is required before cremation. If the coroner is involved, the coroner's order replaces this requirement. 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 Ireland, 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 · Ireland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions