Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from North Macedonia to Greece
For families bringing someone home to Greece. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from North Macedonia to Greece: what to expect
North Macedonian nationals form one of Greece's larger Balkan immigrant communities, working in agriculture, construction, and seasonal industries across mainland Greece. Following the 2018 Prespa Agreement, which resolved the bilateral name dispute, North Macedonia and Greece normalised relations and expanded economic ties. Macedonian documentation requires certified Greek translation for Greek Lixiarcheio purposes. The Greek Embassy in Skopje handles consular matters. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Izvod od maticna kniga na umreni (death certificate, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- North Macedonia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Maticna sluzba (Civil Registry) promptly.
- Greece Embassy in Skopje can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in North Macedonia
When someone dies in North Macedonia, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 112 and registered with the Maticna sluzba (Civil Registry). Obtaining the local death certificate typically takes 3-7 days, and it is this document that lets the rest of the process begin. If the death is treated as violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction, and a post-mortem may be needed before release. After the documentation is in order, the body is embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport, then sent to Greece by air cargo. From death to arrival in Greece, most cases take 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: North Macedonia to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Greece: +30 210 3681 000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Izvod od maticna kniga na umreni (death certificate, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Maticna sluzba (Civil Registry). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Greece Embassy in Skopje 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 Greece
Once all documentation complete. Greece cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Skopje can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from North Macedonia to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from North Macedonia to Greece takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
North Macedonia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Izvod od maticna kniga na umreni (death certificate, certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Greece Embassy in Skopje can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Skopje 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 Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in North Macedonia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Greece is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in North Macedonia, 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 Greece.
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 North Macedonia (gov.uk) · North Macedonia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions