Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to Switzerland
For families bringing someone home to Switzerland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ukraine to Switzerland: what to expect
Switzerland granted temporary protection status (S permit) to Ukrainian displaced persons following February 2022, with over 70,000 Ukrainians living in Switzerland by 2024. Switzerland maintained its Embassy in Kyiv throughout the conflict, as a neutral state with ongoing diplomatic engagement in Ukraine. Ukrainian documentation (in Ukrainian) requires certified German, French, or Italian translation for the Swiss Zivilstandsamt. The Swiss Embassy in Kyiv handles consular matters. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 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.
- Switzerland Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ukraine to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Switzerland: +41 800 24 7 365).
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
Switzerland 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 (stable areas); highly variable in conflict zones. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Switzerland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland 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
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ukraine to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ukraine to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Kyiv can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Kyiv 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 Swiss funeral director takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. A Bestattungsbewilligung is required before final disposition. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the Zivilstandsamt.
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.
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss funeral director (Bestattungsunternehmen) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. The local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) registers the death. A Bestattungsbewilligung (burial authorisation) is required before final disposition. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) 24-hour helpline: +41 800 24 7 365. The Swiss 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 Switzerland.
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