Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sweden to Georgia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Sweden to Georgia: what to expect
Repatriation from Sweden to Georgia follows Sweden's civil registration and export procedures. Most cases take 2-3 weeks.
- Key document: dodsfallsintyg (death certificate from Skatteverket)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Stockholm can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Sweden is a Hague Apostille member (1999). This simplifies document authentication.
- All Swedish-language documentation requires certified translation where needed.
The process
What happens after a death in Sweden
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is registered with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency population register). The official death certificate is the dodsfallsintyg. The Swedish Police Authority investigates violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. Sweden is a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1999. The British Embassy in Stockholm can assist British nationals. (FCDO Travel Advice Sweden 2025; Swedish Skatteverket population register procedures 2025.)
Step by step
Timeline: Sweden to Georgia
Immediate steps after death. Report to local emergency services and contact a specialist at once.
Day of death. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsfallsintyg (death certificate from skatteverket) obtained from Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency), which maintains the population register.
Registration must occur promptly. The Swedish Police Authority investigates violent or suspicious deaths. Body release requires police clearance before repatriation can proceed.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Embassy or consulate notified. Notify the Georgian Embassy in Sweden. Hague Apostille applies (Georgia joined 2007). Certified translation of Georgian-language documents is required.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for international air transport.
After body released by authorities. IATA P650 requirements apply.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits and authenticated documents obtained. The dodsfallsintyg is issued in Swedish. Certified translation is required for non-Swedish-speaking destinations.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT), or other major Swedish airport to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) or Batumi International Airport (BUS).
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Georgian funeral director takes custody at cargo terminal at Tbilisi (TBS) or Batumi (BUS). PSDA Justice House civil registry notified. Hague Apostille applies (Georgia joined 2007). Death certificate issued in Georgian (Mkhedruli script). Certified translation of all foreign documents into Georgian required.
Within 24-48 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Georgia
When the body arrives in Georgia
The Georgian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal at Tbilisi (TBS) or Batumi (BUS). Death is registered with the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) through its Justice Houses (Iusticiis Sakhli). Death certificates are issued in Georgian, which uses the Mkhedruli (Georgian) script. Georgia is a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2007. Certified translation of all foreign-language documentation into Georgian is required.
Consular support
Georgian Embassy in Sweden: contact the Georgian Embassy for documentation guidance. Hague Apostille applies (Georgia joined 2007). Certified translation of Georgian documents is required.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sweden to Georgia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sweden to Georgia takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 3-6 weeks.
The core documents are: dodsfallsintyg (death certificate from Skatteverket), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. The dodsfallsintyg is issued in Swedish. Certified translation is required for non-Swedish-speaking destinations. Source: FCDO Travel Advice Sweden 2025.
The Stockholm-based British embassy or high commission can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The Georgian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal at Tbilisi (TBS) or Batumi (BUS). Death is registered with the Public Service Development Agency (PSDA) through its Justice Houses (Iusticiis Sakhli). Death certificates are issued in Georgian, which uses the Mkhedruli (Georgian) script. Georgia is a Hague Apostille Convention member since 2007. Certified translation of all foreign-language documentation into Georgian is required. All documentation from Sweden must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.
Yes. Cremation in Sweden is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.
Georgia is a Hague Apostille member since 2007. However, the Georgian civil registry (PSDA Justice Houses) works exclusively in Georgian, which uses the Mkhedruli (Georgian) script. All documentation from Sweden requires certified translation into Georgian before it is accepted. Your repatriation specialist will arrange this translation as part of the documentation process. Hague Apostille stamping applies to origin documents, but Georgian translation remains a firm requirement.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Sweden, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Sweden repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions