Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Slovakia 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 Slovakia to Austria: what to expect
Slovak nationals form a large community in Austria, with many living in Vienna and maintaining ties to Bratislava, which is 60 kilometres from Vienna. The Bratislava-Vienna corridor is one of the most active bilateral commuter and residential routes in Central Europe. Austria and Slovakia share EU membership and an open border. Slovak documentation requires certified German translation for Austrian Standesamt purposes. The Austrian Embassy in Bratislava handles consular matters. (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BMEIA, 2025.)
- Key document: Vypis z matriky (death certificate from Matrika, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Slovakia is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Matrika (Civil Registry) promptly.
- Austria Embassy in Bratislava can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Slovakia
When someone dies in Slovakia, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 112 and registered with the Matrika (Civil Registry). 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 Austria by air cargo. From death to arrival in Austria, most cases take 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Slovakia 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. Vypis z matriky (death certificate from Matrika, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Matrika (Civil Registry). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Austria Embassy in Bratislava 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 Bratislava 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 Slovakia to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Slovakia to Austria takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Slovakia is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Vypis z matriky (death certificate from Matrika, 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 Bratislava can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria Embassy in Bratislava 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 Slovakia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Austria is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the death certificate, 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 Slovakia, 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 Slovakia (gov.uk) · Slovakia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions