Poland in US

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

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

To book an appointment, please contact appropriate consulate as per territorial jurisdiction.

Following documents are required to issue a certificate (repatriation of body):

1. Written permission for shipment and burial issued by an appropriate local district or municipal authorities in Poland /STAROSTA or URZAD MIASTA/ - a fax copy or e-mail sent directly from the office in Poland is acceptable; 
2. Death Certificate /original or certified copy/. ​

Bear in mind that in order to ship the body out of the USA you may be asked by the US or Polish authorities to provide :

1. Certificate and Affidavit issued by the Funeral Director, stating that the body was embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed coffin;
2. Certificate stating that the death did not occur due to a communicable disease;
3. Permission from the proper American Authorities for removal out of State.

Following documents are required to issue a certificate (repatriation of ashes):

1. Written permission for shipment and burial of human ashes issued by appropriate local district or municipal authorities in Poland /STAROSTA or URZAD MIASTA/ - a fax copy or e-mail sent directly from the office in Poland is acceptable;
2. Death Certificate /original or certified copy/.

Bear in mind that in order to ship the ashes out of the USA you may be asked by the US or Polish authorities to provide:

1. Certificate of Cremation;
2. Burial Transit Permit for removal out of State;
3. Notarized Affidavit by funeral Director, stating that ashes were placed in a sealed urn or similar container /i.e. blocked in a way that prevents from any intended or unintended opening from the outside/, and there is nothing but ashes inside.

The fee is 56 USD.
Information about forms of payment - click here.

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.