Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to Finland
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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.
- British Embassy in Kyiv registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. 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. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +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. 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.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. 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 A post-mortem 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 ashes home to the UK 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Ukraine, 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 · Ukraine repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions