Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to New Zealand
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Repatriation from Ukraine to New Zealand: what to expect
New Zealand accepted Ukrainian displaced persons following the February 2022 invasion, and a growing Ukrainian community has settled in Auckland and Wellington. New Zealand does not maintain a resident embassy in Ukraine; matters are handled by the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. In conflict-affected parts of Ukraine, access to civil registry services and international transport is severely limited. Ukrainian documentation requires certified English translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Ukrainian) (in Ukrainian)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days (stable areas); highly variable in conflict zones. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the civil registry office (DRACS) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Warsaw can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Ukraine
Call 102 for police or 103 for ambulance. In areas not affected by hostilities, death is certified by a physician and registered with the civil registry office (DRACS). In areas affected by the ongoing conflict, access to civil registry services and the ability to transport remains may be severely limited or impossible.
Step by step
Timeline: Ukraine to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in ukrainian) obtained.
Death must be registered with the civil registry office (DRACS). Violent, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw 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 (stable areas); highly variable in conflict zones. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ukraine to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ukraine to New Zealand takes 3-6 weeks (stable areas). The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take many months or impossible in conflict zones or longer.
Death must be registered with the civil registry office (DRACS) promptly. Violent, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Ukrainian) 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 New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Ukraine is available in major cities in non-conflict areas. 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
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 New Zealand.
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