The time required to return the deceased depends on the country from which the repatriation is carried out, as procedures vary and specific permits are required to transport remains out of each country, as well as on the individual circumstances.
The longest part of the process is usually handling documentation and formalities, including document translation and obtaining an apostille (if required). This stage typically takes between one and seven days.
Once all documents are prepared, transportation of the deceased usually takes up to two days.
In most cases, obtaining permits and preparing documentation takes between one and seven days; however, this may take longer if an investigation into the circumstances of death is being conducted. In such cases, repatriation depends on when the investigation is completed.
1. Power of attorney – including the full name, personal identification number, and address of the authorizing person. A copy of their passport may also be required.
2. Details of the deceased – full name, personal identification number, date and place of birth.
3. Death details – date and place of death. A copy of the deceased’s passport and death certificate may also be required.
4. Known contacts – hospital, mortuary, police, or coroner: institution name, phone number, email address, and address.
5. Additional documents – depending on the country where the death occurred, documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate (Form A and/or Form B from the Civil Registry Office), divorce certificate, as well as information about the deceased’s occupation, address, and immediate family members and other relevant details.
The price consists of several components and depends on the country from which the deceased ought to be transported. The final sum is set from each individual situation, but orientational prices are below:
- Transportation costs 1000-2500 EUR. The price depends on the distance from where the deceased needs to be transported and the mode of transport: car, ferry or plane.
- Fees for documents for foreign institutions are 50-500 EUR. Taxes and fees have to be paid to the various authorities in the country from which the body is to be transported for the preparation and issuance of documents.
- Fees for the mortuary abroad 0-2500 EUR. This fee is paid to the mortuary of the country from which the deceased is to be transported for the storage of the body and transportation from the scene to the mortuary.
- Zinc-lined coffin 0-1500 EUR. When transportation is carried out by road, we transport your loved one in a zinc-lined coffin, which we provide free of charge. However, in some countries – such as Italy, France, and Spain – local regulations require that the deceased be embalmed and placed in a certified double coffin (an inner zinc-lined coffin and an outer wooden coffin) before repatriation. The cost of such a coffin is approximately €1,500. In these cases, the coffin is handed over to the family after transportation.
- In some countries or regions, e.g., Austria, mandatory sealing of zinc-lined coffins– price starts from 200 EUR.
- Body preparation for transportation (necessary in some countries) 300-1000 EUR.
- If the deceased is transported by air, the body must be embalmed. Transportation by plane takes around 1-2 days, depending on the combined flights. But mandatory embalming and documentation take longer than transportation by road.
We will agree on the best price with you based on your individual needs.
We can transport the deceased (his body) to your given address, or we can transport the deceased to the crematorium and bring the urn.
At your request, we can embalm the body, dress the deceased, and prepare it for farewell.
If you have incurred expenses abroad that are independent of us, we will provide you with receipts proving those additional expenses.