When someone dies in Poland
The process when a British national dies in Poland, including registering the death, funerals and cremations, and bringing the person’s body to the UK.
Contacting the insurance company
If the person who died had insurance, contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Read the general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad, if you’re not sure if they had insurance.
The insurance company should appoint a funeral director in Poland and the UK. They may also cover the cost of bringing the person’s body to the UK (repatriation) and help with any medical, legal, interpretation and translation fees.
Registering the death
The death must be registered at the local Polish registry office (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego, Referat zgonów) in the area where the death occurred within three days from the date the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued by the doctor. If the person died as a result of an infectious disease, the deadline is only 24 hours from the time of death. You’ll need information and documents about the person who has died, including their:
- medical certificate of cause of death issued by the doctor who confirmed the death (‘karta zgonu’)
- passport of the person who has died,
- Your own identity document to present (e.g. ID card or passport)
- power of attorney with a certified translation into Polish, if the application is submitted by a third party, such as a funeral director
Getting a death certificate
After registering the death, you’ll get a death certificate (‘Akt zgonu’). Polish death certificates do not give the cause of death.
It’s worth asking for extra copies of the death certificate, as you might need them to show to other people later. The first copy of the death certificate is free of charge, but you will have to pay for additional copies if you need them.
You can ask for an international version (‘Wielojęzyczny odpis skrócony aktu zgonu’) of the copy which includes an English translation (also subject to a fee).
Post mortems in Poland
A post mortem is a medical examination of the body. There might be one in Poland if the cause of death is unknown, unnatural, sudden or violent.
Cultural or religious sensitivities may not be taken into account. Small tissue samples and organs may be removed for testing without the family’s permission. You will not automatically be told if this happens.
If organs are removed they will normally be returned before the person’s body is released for burial. In exceptional circumstances body parts may be kept without permission. This might happen if further investigation is needed. The next of kin will be told if this happens.
Post mortem reports are not usually given to the next of kin. If you have a local lawyer they can apply for a copy.
Burying or cremating the body in Poland
You need a local funeral director to arrange a burial or cremation in Poland. The exact rules on burials and cremations are different depending on where you are in Poland. Your funeral director can give you advice.
Bringing the body to the UK
Ask your funeral director about options for bringing the person’s body to the UK from Poland.
When taking the person’s body to the UK from Poland your funeral director will need to:
- show the death certificate
- get permission to remove the person’s body, issued by a competent State District Sanitary Inspector
- provide a special casket for transporting the person’s body
- show the passport of the person who died
Bringing the ashes to the UK
Ask your funeral director about the rules for bringing ashes to the UK. They’re different depending on where you are in Poland.
Bringing the ashes to the UK yourself
If you’re taking the ashes with you when you leave Poland you will need to:
- show the death certificate
- show the cremation certificate
- follow local Polish regulations about leaving Poland with ashes - your funeral director can give you more information
- you may also have to tell the airline – ask your funeral director for more information
Arranging for the ashes to be taken to the UK
Ask your funeral director for advice if you cannot take the ashes yourself. You may not be able to send them by post or courier. Ashes can be shipped by air freight, although this can be expensive.
Getting the person’s belongings back
Belongings the person had with them when they died are normally given to you or the Polish police.
If you bring the person’s body to the UK, you can ask your local funeral director to collect all the belongings and transport them together.
If they were a Polish resident you may not be able to take their belongings as they may be part of their estate. Get legal advice if this happens.
Clothing may be kept as evidence if there’s an investigation into the death. This will only be returned when the court case is over.
Finding a Polish translator
You may need a translator to help you understand Polish rules or get documents translated. Check official translators in Poland
The embassy or consulate in Poland cannot provide translation services or pay for translation costs.
Finding a Polish lawyer
You may need a lawyer to help you understand the Polish legal system when someone has died. Check English-speaking lawyers in Poland. The embassy or consulate in Poland cannot give you legal advice or pay for legal costs.
Telling the UK authorities
Although you do not have to register the death in the UK, when someone dies abroad you still need to tell the UK authorities. Read general guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad to find out what to do.
Contacting the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
You can contact the FCDO if you still need advice:
- in the UK call +44 (0)20 7008 5000
- in Poland contact the nearest British embassy or consulate