Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Russia to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Russia to New Zealand: what to expect
Russian nationals in New Zealand include professionals, students, and a small community of long-term residents with New Zealand connections. New Zealand suspended the operations of its Moscow Embassy in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine; Russian matters are now handled by the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Russian documentation requires certified English translation. Families in Russia requiring consular assistance for repatriation to New Zealand should contact the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: svidetelstvo o smerti (death certificate, in Russian) (in Russian)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local ZAGS (Registry Office) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Russia to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Svidetelstvo o smerti (death certificate, in russian) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local ZAGS (Registry Office). Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Sledstvenny Komitet) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Russia
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and the svidetelstvo o smerti is registered with the local ZAGS (Registry Office). Police and the Sledstvenny Komitet (Investigative Committee) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Russia to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Russia to New Zealand takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 3 months or longer or longer.
Death must be registered with the local ZAGS (Registry Office) promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Sledstvenny Komitet) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: svidetelstvo o smerti (death certificate, in Russian) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Sledstvenny Komitet) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Russia is widely available in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Warsaw can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Russia, 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 New Zealand.
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 Russia (gov.uk) · Russia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions