Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ukraine to Italy: what to expect
Ukrainian nationals form one of Italy's larger Eastern European communities, with significant numbers employed in domestic care and services, particularly in the Veneto and Lombardy regions. The conflict in Ukraine since 2022 means specialist coordination is needed for documentation on this corridor.
- 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.
- Italy Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ukraine to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
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
Italy 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 Italy
Once all documentation complete. Italy cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy 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 Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ukraine to Italy 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 Italy Embassy in Kyiv can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy 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 Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Cremation in Ukraine is available. Bringing the ashes home to Italy is an option. The ongoing conflict may complicate arrangements in affected regions.
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian 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 Italy.
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