Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Romania to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Romania to Italy: what to expect
Romanian nationals form Italy's largest immigrant community overall, with over one million residents. Romanian-Italian repatriation is one of the highest-volume corridors in Europe. EU freedom of movement simplifies document verification; the Romanian civil registry system is well-mapped for Italian authorities.
- 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.
- Italy Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Romania
When someone dies in Romania, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 112 and registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office). 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 Italy by air cargo. From death to arrival in Italy, most cases take 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Romania to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
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
Italy 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 Italy
Once all documentation complete. Italy cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Romania to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Romania to Italy 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 Italy Embassy in Bucharest can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy 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 Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Cremation in Romania is available. Bringing the ashes home to Italy is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Certificat de deces, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
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 Italy.
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