Poland in Australia

Certificate allowing the repatriation of body or ashes (remains) into Poland can be obtained at a competent local Polish consular post. 

Documents can be submitted in person, through a representative or sent by post.

You can book your appointment via the e-konsulat system.

You will need:

• A burial permit issued by the district governor or mayor — such permit may be requested by the deceased’s family or a funeral parlour authorised to do so. 
  Please note that the Consulate requires the burial permission issued by STAROSTA or PREZYDENT MIASTA. The certificate issued by a priest or a local parish will not be accepted. A copy of the document sent to the Consulate.
•  A death certificate or other document confirming the death with Apostille.

In case of repatriation of body: 

• An embalming certificate (original) – preparation of the body for transportation (original)
• An certification of coffin contents (original), stating that the body was placed in a sealed metal coffin and that the coffin contains only the body of the deceased 

In case of repatriation of ashes: 

• A cremation certificate (original)
• A certification of ash box contents (original). 

Please note that the cremated remains should be placed in a sealed urn bearing the cremation number and the name and surname of the deceased. The consular seal is no longer required.

The fee is 82 AUD.

The consul will issue the certificate without delay and not later than 3 days from the application date.

In person. You can also request to have them delivered to you by post if you will cover the postage costs.

In the event of refusal, the consul will issue a decision against which you can lodge a complaint with the Minister of Foreign Affairs within 7 days. The complaint is lodged via the consul who issued the decision.

What happens if the family chooses not to repatriate the body into Poland?

If the family of the deceased person chooses not to have them brought to Poland, the consul will request local authorities to give them a burial in accordance with local laws (at the cost of local authorities, in public cemeteries).

Remember that the consul will not cover your expenses, provide advice or take decisions on burial arrangements on behalf of the deceased’s family.