Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Serbia to Austria
For families bringing someone home to Austria. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Serbia to Austria: what to expect
Serbian nationals form one of Austria's largest former-Yugoslav immigrant communities, with over 120,000 residents concentrated in Vienna, working in construction, transport, and professional services. Austria and Serbia have close historical and economic ties, and Serbian migration to Austria predates the post-1991 Yugoslav wars. Serbian documentation requires certified German translation for Austrian Standesamt purposes. The Austrian Embassy in Belgrade handles consular matters.
- Key document: Izvod iz maticne knjige umrlih (death certificate, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Serbia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the local civil registry office promptly.
- Austria Embassy in Belgrade can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Serbia
After a death in Serbia, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Maticna knjiga umrlih (Civil Registry), 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: Serbia 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. Izvod iz maticne knjige umrlih (death certificate, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Maticna knjiga umrlih (Civil Registry). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Belgrade 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 Belgrade 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Serbia to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Serbia to Austria takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Serbia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Izvod iz maticne knjige umrlih (death certificate, certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Austria Embassy in Belgrade can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Belgrade 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 Serbia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Austria is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Serbia, 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 government guidance (gov.uk) · Serbia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions