Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina
For families bringing someone home to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina: what to expect
Swedish nationals in Bosnia and Herzegovina include a significant Bosnian diaspora community, particularly following the 1990s conflict. Sweden does not maintain a resident Embassy in Sarajevo; consular matters for Swedish nationals in Bosnia and Herzegovina are handled through the Swedish Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia. Swedish death certificates (dodsfallsintyg, in Swedish) require certified translation into Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian and authentication by the Bosnian Embassy in Stockholm. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1992. (Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: dodsfallsintyg (death certificate) (in Swedish)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency), which manages civil registration promptly.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in Stockholm can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Sweden
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The dodsfallsintyg is issued by the treating physician and civil registration is updated with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency). Police and the prosecutor take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Sweden is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsfallsintyg (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency), which manages civil registration. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and prosecutor take jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in Stockholm 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Bosnia and Herzegovina funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Bosnia and Herzegovina
When the body arrives in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian funeral director takes custody at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) cargo terminal, Mostar International Airport (OMO), or Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) for regional arrivals. Death registration is handled by the maticna sluzba (civil registration service) at municipality level, operated separately in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska entities. Death certificates are issued in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian, the three official languages. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1992; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign documents in other languages require certified translation into one of the official languages. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy or Consulate in Stockholm can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1992. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency), which manages civil registration promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and prosecutor take jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: dodsfallsintyg (death certificate) 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in Stockholm can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in Stockholm as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police and prosecutor take jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Bosnian funeral director takes custody at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), Mostar International Airport (OMO), or Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) cargo terminal. The maticna sluzba (civil registration service) at municipality level registers the death; certificates are issued in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1992; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign documents in other languages require certified translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Sweden is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Sweden, 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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 Sweden (gov.uk) · Sweden repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions