Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Moldova
For families bringing someone home to Moldova. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Italy to Moldova: what to expect
Italy is home to one of the largest Moldovan diaspora communities in Western Europe, with Moldovan nationals working predominantly in domestic care, agriculture, and the service sector. The Italy-Moldova repatriation corridor is one of the most active in Europe for this origin-destination pair. When a Moldovan national dies in Italy, the death is registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile. The atto di morte is issued in Italian and requires certified Romanian translation for submission to Moldovan civil status authorities. The Moldovan Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation requirements. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; Italian-issued apostille certificates are accepted.
- Key document: atto di morte (death certificate) (in Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune promptly.
- Moldova Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Call 112 for the unified emergency number, 113 for police, or 118 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile of the Comune (municipality). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Moldova
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (unified) / 113 (police) / 118 (ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Moldova Embassy in Rome 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 Moldova
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Moldova funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Moldova
When the body arrives in Moldova
The Moldovan funeral director takes custody at Chisinau International Airport (RMO) cargo terminal. Death registration in Moldova is handled by the civil status offices (starea civila) under the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice). The act de deces (death certificate) is issued in Romanian; all foreign documents require certified Romanian translation. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Moldovan Embassy or Consulate in Rome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Moldova. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice) in Moldova for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Moldova
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Moldova takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: atto di morte (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 Moldova Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Moldova Embassy in Rome as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Moldovan funeral director takes custody at Chisinau International Airport (RMO) cargo terminal. The civil status offices (starea civila) under the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice) register the death and issue the act de deces (death certificate) in Romanian. All foreign documents require certified Romanian translation before submission to Moldovan authorities. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Italy is available, though less common than in northern Europe; facilities exist in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Italy, 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 Moldova.
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 Italy (gov.uk) · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions