Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to Finland
For families bringing someone home to Finland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ukraine to Finland: what to expect
Ukrainian nationals form a significant refugee community in Finland, with Finland receiving a substantial influx of Ukrainians following the February 2022 Russian invasion. Finland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and welcomed Ukrainian refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive. Ukrainian documentation requires certified Finnish translation for Finnish DVV registry purposes. The Finnish Embassy in Kyiv handles consular matters. (Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Death certificate from DRACS (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Consular assistance in conflict-affected areas is severely limited.
- The current conflict may significantly extend timelines, particularly in areas of active hostilities.
- Finland Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ukraine to Finland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Finland: +358 9 1605 5555).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from DRACS (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the DRACS (State Registry of Acts of Civil Status). Prosecutor's Office and police may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Finland Embassy in Kyiv 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Finland
Once all documentation complete. Finland cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Finland funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Ukraine
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the DRACS (State Registry of Acts of Civil Status). The Prosecutor's Office and police takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ukraine to Finland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ukraine to Finland takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-12 weeks or longer.
Consular assistance in conflict-affected areas is severely limited.
The core documents are: Death certificate from DRACS (certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural or conflict-related deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Finland Embassy in Kyiv can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Finland Embassy in Kyiv as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Finnish hautauspalvelu takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) cargo terminal. A siirtolupa from the aluehallintovirasto is required. The DVV records the death. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish, or English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with regional authorities.
Cremation in Ukraine is available. Bringing the ashes home to Finland is an option. The ongoing conflict may complicate arrangements in affected regions.
In Finland
When the body arrives in Finland
The Finnish hautauspalvelu (funeral director) takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) cargo terminal. A siirtolupa (transport permit) issued by the aluehallintovirasto (Regional State Administrative Agency) is required before the remains can be transported. The Digi- ja vaestotietovirasto (DVV, Digital and Population Data Services Agency) records the death. Finland is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish, or English require certified translation. (Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Finnish Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Finland. Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +358 9 1605 5555 (24 hours). The Finnish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Ukraine, 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 Finland.
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 Ukraine (gov.uk) · Ukraine repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions