Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Poland to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Poland
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the Urząd Stanu Cywilnego (Civil Registry Office) within 3 days. The Prokuratura (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Poland to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Poland to Ireland follows Poland's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from death to arrival.
- Key document: Akt zgonu (death certificate from Urząd Stanu Cywilnego)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy in Warsaw registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Poland is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the local Urząd Stanu Cywilnego within 3 days.
Step by step
Timeline: Poland to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Department of Foreign Affairs 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
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
Irish Embassy 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 Ireland.
Once all documentation complete. Dublin Airport cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Warsaw can register the death and advise on local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Poland to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Poland to Ireland 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 Irish Embassy in Warsaw can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors in Poland, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Polish documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation in Poland is available. Bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and an urn transport declaration.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Poland, 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 · Poland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions