Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Sweden
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Repatriation from the United States to Sweden: what to expect
The United States has a significant Swedish-American heritage community, reflecting the substantial Swedish emigration to the Midwest and Upper Midwest in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Swedish-Americans maintain family ties to Sweden, and American nationals also live and work in Sweden in technology and multinational companies. The Swedish Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Swedish family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Sweden Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish funeral director takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Sweden is handled by Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency), which maintains the civil registration records. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Swedish, accompanied by a certified Swedish translation for Skatteverket registration. Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Health and Welfare) regulates funeral operations and the handling of human remains. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Swedish Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact Skatteverket for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Sweden Embassy in Washington DC 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Sweden
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Sweden takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate 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 Sweden Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Swedish funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) handles civil registration. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Swedish translation where not already in Swedish. Socialstyrelsen regulates the handling of human remains and funeral operations. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with Skatteverket.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. 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 the United States, 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 Sweden.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions