The final journey home: what you need to know about the repatriation of remains
When a loved one dies abroad, grief intertwines with practical worries – pervežti velionio palaikus į LietuvąThis process is not only emotionally challenging but also financially draining. Transportation of remains from distant countries can cost thousands of euros, making state support vital for many families.
“First, people face shock and uncertainty,” says Eglė Vaitkevičiūtė, Head of the Consular Services Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Often, relatives do not even know that such support exists, and when they find out, they realize that handling the paperwork is not as complicated as they imagine.”
In recent years, especially after the pandemic when emigration flows surged again, the ministry has been receiving an increasing number of applications for the reimbursement of repatriation expenses. However, not everyone knows what they are entitled to and how to submit an application correctly.
Who is eligible for state support?
The procedure for reimbursing the expenses of repatriating the remains of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who died abroad is laid down in a Government resolution. The main condition is that the deceased must be a Lithuanian citizen. However, other criteria also apply:
- The deceased must have declared their place of residence in Lithuania or be included in the registry of persons who have not declared their place of residence
- The application must be submitted by close relatives (spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters) or other heirs
- The application must be submitted no later than 6 months from the date of death
“Often, people do not know that support is available not only to those whose relatives died while on a tourist trip, but also to those who lived abroad for a longer period,” emphasizes Jonas Petrauskas, representative of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.
It is important to note that the reimbursement does not cover all expenses – the state compensates up to 5,000 euros, depending on actual costs and distance. However, this amount is usually sufficient to cover the main transportation costs.
The labyrinth of documents: what needs to be submitted?
When relatives find out about the possibility of receiving compensation, they are often intimidated by the list of documents. However, the process is not as complicated as it seems at first glance.
Here are the main documents that need to be submitted:
- Application for reimbursement of the expenses of repatriating remains (standard form)
- Death certificate or its copy certified by a notary
- Documents proving the kinship relationship with the deceased
- Invoices confirming the expenses of repatriating the remains
- Details of the bank account to which the compensation will be transferred
“Most often, people get confused about documents issued abroad. They must be translated into Lithuanian, and the translation must be certified by a notary,” explains Greta Paulauskienė, specialist at the Board of the State Social Insurance Fund.
She recommends not waiting until all documents are collected – if one or another is missing, it is still worth submitting the application and delivering the missing documents later. “The most important thing is not to miss the six–month deadline from the date of death,” the specialist reminds.
Role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: assistance in a crisis situation
When a Lithuanian citizen dies abroad, the first point of contact is usually the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in that country. The staff of the diplomatic mission not only inform the relatives about the tragedy but also provide initial consultation regarding the repatriation of remains.
“Our consular officers help families contact local funeral homes, explain the procedures for handling documents, and inform them about the possibility of receiving compensation,” says Tomas Bičiūnas, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consuls can also help to:
- Obtain the death certificate and other necessary documents
- Contact local authorities
- Help organize the transportation of remains
- Provide information on local funeral traditions and requirements
In particularly difficult cases, when the family does not have the financial means to pay for the repatriation of remains immediately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can grant a consular loan, which must later be repaid to the state.
Practical obstacles and how to overcome them
Repatriation of remains is not only a bureaucratic but also a logistical challenge. Different countries have different requirements, and sometimes the process can take longer than expected.
Marija Kazlauskienė, whose brother died in Australia, shares her experience: “The biggest problem was the time zone difference and the language barrier. When it is night in Lithuania, it is a working day in Australia. Furthermore, local funeral companies had no experience working with Lithuania.”
Experts advise:
- Contact the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in that country immediately
- Request written instructions about the entire process
- Find out if there are specific requirements in the country (e.g., embalming)
- Inquire if there are direct flights to Lithuania – this can reduce expenses
- Arrange for document translations in advance
“Sometimes it is worth hiring a local translator who could help communicate with the institutions,” recommends Bičiūnas. “This may cost extra, but it will save a lot of time and nerves.”
Payout of compensation: deadlines and nuances
Upon submission of all required documents, the compensation payout process usually takes up to 30 calendar days. However, in reality, the deadline depends on several factors:
- Whether all required documents have been submitted
- Whether the documents are properly completed
- Whether additional information from foreign institutions is required
“Most often, the decision is made within two–three weeks if all documentation is in order,” says the representative of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. “The money is transferred to the specified account within 5–7 working days after the decision is made.”
It is important to know that the compensation is paid in euros, regardless of the currency in which the services were paid for. If the invoices are issued in another currency, the amount is converted according to the rate set by the European Central Bank on the day of payment.
When support is not applicable: alternative sources of assistance
Not in all cases can families receive state compensation. For example, if the deceased was not a Lithuanian citizen or had not declared their place of residence in Lithuania. In such cases, it is worth looking for alternative sources of assistance:
- Travel insurance – if the deceased had travel insurance, it can cover the expenses of transporting the remains
- Employer support – some companies, especially international corporations, have special funds for employees' families in case of disaster
- Community support – Lithuanian communities abroad often organize fundraising campaigns
- Municipal support – some Lithuanian municipalities have social support programs that can cover part of the funeral expenses
“It is worth contacting the municipal social support department – even if you cannot receive compensation from the state, the municipality can provide a lump–sum allowance,” advises social support expert Aušra Mikalajūnienė.
The final journey: when bureaucracy meets humanity
Repatriation of remains from abroad is a process where bureaucratic requirements and deep human experiences intertwine. State support in this situation becomes not only financial aid but also a sign that a citizen is not left alone even under the most difficult circumstances.
“We repatriated my mother's remains from Spain. The process took almost two weeks, but the consulate staff were incredibly understanding and helped at every step,” recalls Vaida, who lives in Klaipėda. “The compensation covered almost all expenses, which was a huge help to our family.”
Experts advise not to hesitate to ask for help and ask questions – consular staff and ministry specialists understand the complexity of the situation and are ready to help. It is important to remember that behind every document and procedure lies the main goal – to help relatives bid a dignified farewell to the departed person and return them home for the final journey.
Perhaps in the future the process will become even simpler – ministries are already considering the possibility of simplifying the procedure for submitting documents and creating an electronic system that would allow applications to be submitted online. However, for now, the most important thing is to know your rights and apply for support in time, so that financial worries do not burden an already difficult period of loss.
