Poland in the Netherlands

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.

There is no need to book an appointment as long as the visit takes place within the working hours of the consular office.

For the repatriation of a body you will need:

• a copy of the death certificate or other document confirming the death.
• Laissez-passer - a document authorizing the transport of corpses;
• medical certificate confirming that the death was not a result of an infectious disease;
• certificate of the funeral parlor dealing with transport that the corpse was placed in a metal casket, containing at the bottom a layer of absorbent material at least 5 cm thick, and that the metal casket was thoroughly soldered and put into a wooden crate so that it could not move .

For the repatriation of ashes you will need:

• a copy of the death certificate or other document confirming the death;
• corpse cremation certificate issued by a funeral parlour;
• certificate from the funeral parlour confirming that the urn is made of metal and contains only the ashes of the deceased person.

The fee is 50 euro.

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.