Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Poland to Denmark
For families bringing someone home to Denmark. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Poland to Denmark: what to expect
Polish nationals form Denmark's largest EU labour migration community, with over 80,000 residents working in construction, agriculture, logistics, and service sectors. Poland and Denmark are EU partners, and EU freedom of movement facilitates labour migration. Polish documentation requires certified Danish translation where required by Danish civil registry authorities. The Danish Embassy in Warsaw handles consular matters. Poland to Denmark is a well-established seasonal and permanent migration corridor.
- Key document: Akt zgonu (death certificate from Urząd Stanu Cywilnego)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Poland is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the local Urząd Stanu Cywilnego within 3 days.
- Denmark Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Poland
Repatriation from Poland begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Urząd Stanu Cywilnego (Civil Registry Office) within 3 days and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 3-7 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Prokuratura (Prosecutor's Office), which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Denmark as air cargo. A funeral director in Denmark then takes custody. The full process most often takes 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Poland to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Denmark: +45 33 92 00 00).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Akt zgonu (death certificate from Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Urząd Stanu Cywilnego (Civil Registry Office) within 3 days. Prokuratura (Prosecutor's Office) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Denmark Embassy in Warsaw 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 Denmark
Once all documentation complete. Denmark cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish begravelsesforretning (funeral director) takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev (body transit certificate) must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Denmark is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Danish, English, or another major European language require certified Danish translation. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Danish Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +45 33 92 00 00 (24 hours). The Danish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Poland to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Poland to Denmark takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Poland is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Akt zgonu (death certificate from Urząd Stanu Cywilnego), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Denmark Embassy in Warsaw can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Warsaw 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 Danish begravelsesforretning takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Documents not in Danish or English require certified Danish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Poland is available. Bringing the ashes home to Denmark is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and an urn transport declaration.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Poland, 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 Denmark.
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 Poland (gov.uk) · Poland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions