Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Poland to Sweden
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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 Sweden: what to expect
Polish nationals work in Sweden in construction, agriculture, healthcare, and service industries, part of EU freedom of movement labour migration. Poland to Sweden is an established EU repatriation corridor with straightforward documentation procedures on both sides. The EU apostille framework applies and direct flights connect Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk to Stockholm and Gothenburg.
- Key document: Akt zgonu (death certificate from Urząd Stanu Cywilnego)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British 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.
- Sweden Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Poland to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +46 8 405 50 05.
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
Sweden 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete. Sweden cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Poland to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Poland to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Warsaw can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Warsaw as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Poland is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and an urn transport declaration.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. The Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police) is informed if the death was violent or unexplained. Sweden is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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