A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The final price depends on the region of departure, the cause of death and local registry fees. We confirm a firm quote at first contact.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
Latvia is home to a settled Latvian community in the UK and receives many British and dual-national visitors each year, so a death in Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja or the surrounding regions is something families do occasionally face from a distance. When a death occurs in Latvia, bringing your loved one home involves the Latvian authorities, the receiving arrangements in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and the flight itself. We coordinate all three, so the family does not have to travel to Latvia or deal directly with Latvian offices. Our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms if you are just starting.
Because Latvia is a member of the European Union, the paperwork is comparatively predictable. For use in the United Kingdom, the Latvian death certificate and the supporting certificates are legalised with an apostille. The main variable is the circumstances of the death and how quickly the registration and transport documents can be completed.
The death is registered at the local civil registry office — the Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa — which issues the official Latvian death certificate, the miršanas apliecība. For the document to be used by the UK registrar, coroner and funeral director, it is legalised with an apostille.
The funeral operator then assembles the documentation required for international carriage, including the transport authorisation for the coffin. We obtain the certificate and arrange the transport documentation on the family's behalf while the deceased is prepared.
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin suitable for international carriage by air. A transport authorisation accompanies the coffin so it can leave the country, and the deceased travels by air freight to a UK airport — a distance of roughly 1,660 kilometres. Our team collects the deceased from the Latvian funeral home or hospital mortuary and manages the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. For a burial, the apostilled Latvian death certificate is generally sufficient. For a cremation, the coroner in England and Wales must give authority first — this is the Cremation Form 6, issued once the coroner is satisfied there is no need for further investigation (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. We liaise with the coroner's office so this authority is in place without delay.
A repatriation from Latvia typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, travelling by air freight over roughly 1,660 kilometres. As an EU member state, Latvia's documentation is predictable, with the death certificate legalised by apostille. The timing depends on registration at the Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa, flight availability from Riga, and the circumstances of the death: where the cause of death is referred for further examination, release can take longer.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We quote a firm price for the services included at first contact, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the region of departure, the cause of death, and local funeral-home and registry fees. Families are often unaware that a UK-based estate or insurance policy, or travel insurance held by the deceased, may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We handle the entire administrative and logistical process in Latvian and in English, keep the family informed at every stage, and are contactable 24/7. Our aim is that the distance between Latvia and home should never translate into lost days or added distress at the worst possible time.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
The core documents are the miršanas apliecība (the official Latvian death certificate from the Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa), legalised with an apostille for use in the UK, and the transport authorisation allowing the coffin to leave the country, together with embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates.
Where a cremation is planned in England and Wales, the coroner must also authorise it (Cremation Form 6). We obtain all of the Latvian documents on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, travelling by air freight over roughly 1,660 kilometres. As an EU member state, Latvia's paperwork is predictable, with the death certificate legalised by apostille.
The timing depends on registration at the Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa, flight availability from Riga, and the circumstances of the death. Where the cause of death is referred for further examination, release can take longer.
Yes. Latvia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so the miršanas apliecība and the supporting certificates are legalised with an apostille for use in the UK, rather than passing through a longer legalisation chain.
We arrange the apostille as part of the service, so the documents are ready for the UK registrar, coroner and funeral director.
No. We have coordinators who deal directly with the Dzimtsarakstu nodaļa and the funeral operator. The family does not need to travel or communicate with the Latvian authorities.
The whole process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation sent by email or WhatsApp.
Yes. A burial can usually proceed on the apostilled Latvian death certificate alone. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using Cremation Form 6, once satisfied that no further investigation is needed (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal).
We liaise with the coroner's office so this authority is in place when the deceased arrives.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
