Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Serbia to Greece
For families bringing someone home to Greece. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Serbia to Greece: what to expect
Serbian nationals form a community in Greece, with long-standing cultural, Orthodox Christian, and commercial ties between the two countries. Serbian nationals work in tourism, construction, and seasonal agriculture in Greece, and Serbia is an EU candidate country with bilateral agreements with Greece. Serbian documentation requires certified Greek translation for Greek civil registry purposes. The Greek 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.
- Greece Embassy in Belgrade can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Serbia
Repatriation from Serbia begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Maticna knjiga umrlih (Civil Registry) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 3-7 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor's Office, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Greece as air cargo. A funeral director in Greece then takes custody. The full process most often takes 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Serbia to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Greece: +30 210 3681 000).
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
Greece 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 Greece
Once all documentation complete. Greece cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Belgrade can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Serbia to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Serbia to Greece 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 Greece Embassy in Belgrade can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece 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 Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Serbia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Greece 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 Greece.
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