Certificate allowing the repatriation of body or ashes (remains) into Poland
Where to apply?
Certificate allowing the repatriation of body or ashes (remains) into Poland can be obtained at a competent local Polish consular post.
Do I have to apply in person?
Documents can be submitted in person, through a representative or sent by post.
How to book an appointment?
To book an appointment, please write to the following e-mail address: dublin.wk.pk@msz.gov.pl.
What documents do I need to submit?
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.
- A copy of the death certificate or other document confirming the death.
Repatriation of body to Poland
Documents that are required for repatriation of the body of the deceased to Poland:
1. Death Certificate/ Interim Death Certificate - issued by Coroner or collected from local Civil Registration Service Office.
2. Coroner's permission for removal of the body outside the State - issued by Coroner.
3. Certificate stating that the deceased did not suffer from infectious disease - issued by Coroner or in hospital.
4. Declaration that the coffin contains nothing but the remains - issued by funeral directors or company.
5. The permission from local Polish Authorities that the body can be brought to Poland - issued by Starosta Powiatowy or Prezydent Miasta. This document MUST be submitted together with the above Irish documents.
6. The Consul's permission to transport the body from Ireland to Poland - to apply for this document you have to present all above mentioned documents (from 1 to 5)
Repatriation of the body can only be organised by FUNERAL DIRECTORS (Irish or Polish) accredited to deal with international transfers.
The body of the deceased must be placed in a metal coffin and then into a wooden coffin.
Repatriation of ashes of a deceased person to Poland
1. Death Certificate/ Interim Death Certificate - issued by Coroner or collected from local Civil Registration Service Office.
2. Coroner's certificate in relation to removal of the ashes outside the Ireland - issued by Coroner.
3. Certificate of Cremation - issued by a crematorium/cremation company.
4. The permission from local Polish Authorities that the body can be brought to Poland - issued by Starostwo Powiatowe or Prezydent Miasta. This document MUST be submitted together with the above Irish documents.
5. Consuls's permission to transport the remains from Ireland to Poland - to apply for this document you have to present all above mentioned documents (from 1 to 4)
6. Notarized affidavit by funeral Director, stating that the ashes were placed in the sealed urn or similar container, and there is nothing but the ashes inside.
If the family wish take the ashes themselves, we advise to check Terms & Conditions or to contact the chosen airlines in advance, before booking the tickets.
How much does it cost?
The fee is 50 Euro.
What is the waiting time?
The consul will issue the certificate without delay and not later than 3 days from the application date.
How to collect the documents?
In person. You can also request to have them delivered to you by post if you will cover the postage costs.
How to appeal?
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Legal basis
Ustawa z dnia 25 czerwca 2015 roku Prawo konsularne (Dz.U. z 2018 r. poz. 2141, z późn. zm.)