Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Romania to Austria
For families bringing someone home to Austria. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Romania to Austria: what to expect
Romanian nationals form a significant EU labour migration community in Austria, working in care, construction, healthcare, and service sectors. EU freedom of movement facilitates Romanian migration to Austria. Romanian documentation requires certified German translation where required by Austrian registry authorities. The Austrian Embassy in Bucharest handles consular matters. Romania to Austria is an established corridor for both settled diaspora and seasonal workers.
- Key document: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office) within 3 days.
- Austria Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Romania
After a death in Romania, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office), and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 3-7 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Austria as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in Austria.
Step by step
Timeline: Romania to Austria
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Austria: +43 1 90115 3775).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Bucharest 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 Austria
Once all documentation complete. Austria cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Austria funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Austria
When the body arrives in Austria
The Austrian Bestattung (funeral director) takes custody at Vienna International (VIE) cargo terminal. A Leichenbegleitschein (body transport certificate) must accompany the remains. The local Standesamt (registry office) registers the death. The Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde (district authority) may need to approve burial or cremation. Austria is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BMEIA, 2025.)
Consular support
Austrian Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Austria. Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) emergency line: +43 1 90115 3775 (24 hours). The Austrian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Romania to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Romania to Austria takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Austria Embassy in Bucharest can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Bucharest 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 Austrian Bestattung takes custody at Vienna International (VIE) cargo terminal. A Leichenbegleitschein must accompany the remains. The local Standesamt registers the death. The Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde approves burial or cremation. Documents not in German require certified translation.
Cremation in Romania is available. Bringing the ashes home to Austria is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Certificat de deces, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Romania, 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 Austria.
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 Romania (gov.uk) · Romania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions