How to transport the deceased from Poland to the country of origin
The transportation of a deceased person from one country to another is a complex procedure that requires the fulfillment of numerous legal, medical and organizational requirements. In the event of the death of a third-country national in Poland, it is important to organize the repatriation promptly and correctly. In this article, we will discuss the key stages and nuances of transporting the deceased from Poland to the country of origin.
Notification of death and obtaining a certificate
The first step after the death of a person is to officially confirm the fact of death.
What to do:
- Notify the police and ambulance:
- If the death occurred at home or at work, you should call the emergency services.
- Doctors will draw up a death certificate, and the police will certify that there are no signs of violent death (in the case of a natural cause).
- Obtain a death certificate:
- The doctor issues a death certificate.
- This document is the basis for obtaining a death certificate.
- Obtain a death certificate at the registry office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego):
- You need to contact the local registry office at the place of the event.
- The deceased’s passport or other document is required to obtain the certificate.
Obtaining repatriation permits
Transportation of the body across the border requires special permits.
The following documents are required:
- Death certificate.
- It must be in Polish and stamped.
- Certificate of absence of infectious diseases
- Issued by the Polish Sanitary and Epidemiological Service.
- This document confirms that the transportation does not pose a health risk.
- Permission to transport the body
- Issued by the consulate of the foreigner’s country of origin in Poland.
- For this purpose, you need to provide a death certificate, a statement from relatives, a copy of the passport of the deceased and the applicant.
- Certificate of embalming the body
- Issued by the funeral home after the procedure.
Choice of transport and organization of transportation
Repatriation can be carried out in several ways: by road or by plane.
Transportation by car:
- The most common way for countries that are not far from Poland.
- Specialized funeral homes provide road transportation services.
Transportation by air:
- Used for long-distance transportation.
- It requires a special sealed coffin that meets aviation standards.
Contacting a funeral home
Most funeral homes in Poland provide a full range of services, including transportation.
What they offer:
- Preparation of the body (embalming, putting it in a coffin).
- Preparation of the necessary documents.
- Transportation to the place of burial.
- Organization of accompanying services (for example, a funeral service).
Crossing the border
When crossing the border, you must present:
- Death certificate.
- Permission to transport the body.
- A sealed coffin (if required).
Control is carried out by the Border Guard of Poland and the country of origin of the deceased.
Funeral arrangements in the country of origin
After the body arrives in the country:
- Notify the local registry office to register the death in the country of origin.
- Organize the burial through a funeral home.
Financial costs
Transportation of the body from Poland to the country of origin can cost from 1,000 to 5,000 euros, depending on the distance, the chosen transport and the funeral home. Some Polish employers cover the costs if the death occurred during the performance of work.
Conclusions
Transportation of the deceased from Poland to the country of origin is a complex process that requires clear coordination with Polish authorities and authorities of the country of origin. Turning to a funeral home simplifies the procedure by ensuring that all documents are properly executed and all legal requirements are met.
