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When a Romanian national dies in the UK, their family faces a process that is both emotionally demanding and administratively complex. Repatriation to Romania involves coordinating documentation across two countries, liaising with the Romanian embassy, and arranging transportation — all while grieving.
This guide sets out the key requirements and steps, so families know what to expect and can make informed decisions.
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At a glance
What it is
The process of returning the body of a Romanian national from the UK to Romania for burial or funeral services.
Who handles it
A specialist repatriation agency, working alongside the Romanian embassy in London and UK funeral directors.
Typical timeline
Usually 5–10 working days from death to repatriation, depending on document readiness and transport method.
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Required documentation
The following documents are required before a body can leave the UK for Romania:
| Document | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | UK registrar | Required for all UK deaths |
| Apostille on death certificate | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) | Legalises the document for use in Romania |
| Embalming certificate | UK funeral director | Required for international transport |
| Mortuary passport (Pasaport mortuar) | Romanian Embassy, London | No embassy fee; issued at 13 Glenthorne Road, W6 0NG, London |
| Deceased's passport | Next of kin / existing document | Required for identification |
The role of the Romanian embassy
The Romanian Consulate General in London is the central point of contact for consular matters. Their key function in the repatriation process is issuing the Mortuary Passport — the document that authorises the transport of human remains to Romania. There are no embassy fees for this document.
Families should contact the consulate as early as possible, as processing times can vary.
Transport options
Repatriation can be carried out by road or by air. Road repatriation is a cost-effective alternative — it can save families up to £1,000 compared to air transport — and does not compromise on the care or dignity afforded to the deceased. For many families, road repatriation is the preferred option for exactly this reason.
Working with a specialist repatriation agency
Navigating the documentation, embassy requirements, and logistics of international repatriation is difficult to manage independently while grieving. A specialist agency handles every step: paperwork, embalming, liaison with the Romanian consulate, and transportation. At Funero, our Romanian-speaking team is familiar with both the administrative and cultural dimensions of Romanian funeral practice, and can guide families through the entire process with empathy and efficiency.
For those managing the cost of repatriation, our guide on reducing repatriation costs offers practical advice. You may also find it useful to read about the role of funeral directors in repatriation and why road repatriation is worth considering.
