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 Russian region and city of departure, the flight routing and connections, and local funeral, embalming and legalisation fees, which vary widely. 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.
Bringing a loved one home from Russia is a long-haul repatriation that brings together the death-registration formalities of the region where the death occurred, the authentication and translation of the Russian documents for use in the UK, and the receiving arrangements here at home. Distances are considerable and the paperwork is more involved than a European transfer, but the process is well established. We coordinate it end to end, across the time difference and the language barrier, so the family does not have to deal with Russian registry offices, funeral homes or airlines directly. If you are just starting, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
The distance from Moscow to the UK is roughly 2,500 km, and considerably more from regions further east, so the deceased travels by air freight. Russia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; the Russian death certificate must be apostilled for use in the UK, and because it is issued in Russian a certified English translation is arranged alongside it.
A medical organisation or mortuary issues a medical death certificate stating the cause of death. This is presented to the local civil registry office — the ЗАГС (ZAGS), or a Multi-Functional State Services Centre (МФЦ / MFC) acting for it — which registers the death and issues the official Russian death certificate (свидетельство о смерти). This certificate must be apostilled and given a certified English translation before it is used here. Where a death is sudden, unattended or its cause is unclear, a forensic examination may be required before the deceased can be released, which can lengthen the timeline.
A funeral director in Russia prepares the deceased for the flight — embalming, a sealed transport-standard coffin, and the certificates of embalming and freedom from infection that airlines require — and assembles the export documentation for the flight. The deceased then travels as documented air cargo to a UK airport, often on a connecting service. We arrange the airline booking and the cargo formalities and confirm that every document is complete and correctly apostilled before the flight is booked.
On arrival in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. A burial can generally proceed on the apostilled and translated Russian death certificate. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using the Cremation Form 6, once satisfied that no further investigation is needed (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. Where a family observes religious customs that call for a prompt burial, we do everything possible to move quickly, though the distance and legalisation steps mean a Russian repatriation cannot usually be completed as swiftly as a funeral held locally.
A repatriation from Russia typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, over a distance of roughly 2,500 km from Moscow and considerably more from further east. The timing depends on how quickly the ZAGS issues the death certificate, whether a forensic examination is required, how long the apostille and certified translation take, and the availability of a suitable flight, which may involve a connection. Long-haul logistics and connections can extend the timing.
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 and city of departure, the flight routing and connections, and local funeral, embalming and legalisation fees, which vary considerably across so large a country. A UK-based estate, travel insurance or a life-insurance policy may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We manage the Russian formalities, the authentication and translation, the airline logistics and the UK reception as one coordinated process, working across the time difference and the language barrier, keeping the family informed at every stage and remaining contactable 24/7.
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 deceased travels with the Russian death certificate (свидетельство о смерти) from the ZAGS registry office, the medical death certificate, and certificates of embalming and freedom from infection, together with the export documentation the funeral director assembles for the flight.
Because the documents are issued in Russian, the death certificate must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified English translation before use here. We obtain and authenticate everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact, over a distance of roughly 2,500 km from Moscow and considerably more from regions further east.
The timing depends on how quickly the ZAGS issues the death certificate, whether a forensic examination is required, how long the apostille and certified translation take, and flight availability, which may involve a connection. Long-haul logistics can extend the timing.
Yes. Russian documents are issued in Russian, so the death certificate must be apostilled for use in the UK — Russia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille replaces a longer legalisation chain — and accompanied by a certified English translation.
We arrange the apostille and the certified translation as part of the service, so the documents are ready to use here.
No. We coordinate directly with the funeral director in Russia, the ZAGS registry office and the airline, across the time difference and the language barrier, so the family does not need to travel or make calls to Russian offices.
The process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation.
Yes. A burial can generally proceed on the apostilled and translated Russian death certificate. 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 ready 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.
