Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sweden to Lithuania
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Sweden to Lithuania: what to expect
Sweden has a significant Lithuanian community, particularly in Stockholm and Gothenburg, with migration accelerating since Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004. When a Lithuanian national dies in Sweden and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Lithuania, the death is registered with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency). The dodsfallsintyg (death notification certificate) is issued in Swedish and requires certified Lithuanian translation for submission to the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division). The Lithuanian Embassy in Stockholm can advise on documentation requirements. Both countries are EU members and Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025; Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025.)
- Key document: dodsfallsintyg (death notification certificate) (in Swedish)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Stockholm registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) promptly.
- Lithuania 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 (death notification certificate) is issued by Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency), which maintains the population register. Police and the Riksaklagaren (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Sweden is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Sweden to Lithuania
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsfallsintyg (death notification certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency). Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Riksaklagaren, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Lithuania 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 Lithuania
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Lithuania funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Lithuania
When the body arrives in Lithuania
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. Death registration in Lithuania is handled by the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality under the Ministry of Justice. The mirties liudijimas (death certificate) is issued in Lithuanian; all foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Metrikacijos skyrius, Lithuania, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Lithuania, 2025.)
Consular support
The Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in Stockholm can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Lithuania. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) in Lithuania for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sweden to Lithuania
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sweden to Lithuania 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 (the Swedish Tax Agency) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Riksaklagaren, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: dodsfallsintyg (death notification 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 Lithuania Embassy in Stockholm can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Lithuania Embassy in Stockholm as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Riksaklagaren, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. The Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality registers the death and issues the mirties liudijimas (death certificate) in Lithuanian. All foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation before submission to Lithuanian authorities. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports.
Cremation in Sweden is widely available and is the most common method of disposition. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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