Poland in Canada

Certificate allowing the repatriation of body or ashes (remains) into Poland can be obtained at a competent local Polish consular post. Please visit the section "Embassy & Consulates" for contact information and opening hours of the consular offices of Poland in Canada.

Documents can be submitted in person, through a representative or sent by post.

You can book your appointment via the e-konsulat system / by phone / by e-mail - see the section "Embassy & Consulates" for contact information and opening hours. 

You will need:

• A burial permit issued by the district governor or mayor — such permit may be requested by the deceased’s family or a funeral parlour authorised to do so.
•  A copy of the death certificate or other document confirming the death.

ATTENTION! If you are applying for a certifiacte at the Consulate General in Toronto, you will need also: 

- repatriation of a body:

• Written permission for shipment and burial issued by an appropriate local district or municipal authorities in Poland (STAROSTA or URZAD MIASTA) - a fax copy or e-mail sent directly from the office in Poland is acceptable;
• Statement of death (original);
• Medical certificate of death (original);
• Certificate and Affidavit issued by the Funeral Director, stating that the body was embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed coffin;
• Burial Permit;
• Certificate for shipment body outside of province issued by Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Chief Coroner;
• Certificate that the Deceased was not affected with any communicable disease, issued by the Associate Public Health Officer. 

- repatriation of ashes:

• Written permission for shipment and burial of human ashes issued by appropriate local district or municipal authorities in Poland (STAROSTA or URZAD MIASTA) - a fax copy or e-mail sent directly from the office in Poland is acceptable;
• Death Certificate (original);
• Medical certificate of death (original);
• Certificate of Cremation;
• Affidavit by funeral Director, stating that ashes were placed in a sealed urn or similar container (i.e. blocked in a way that prevents from any intended or unintended opening from the outside), and there is nothing but ashes inside.

The fee is listed in Consular fees section. 

The fees must be paid at the office counter when submitting the application. Accepted forms of payment: cash, money order, certified bank check (credit cards, debit cards or personal checks are not accepted). Consulate General in Toronto accepts debit and credit cards except American Express.

The consul will issue the certificate without delay and not later than 3 days from the application date.

In person. You can also request to have them delivered to you by post if you will cover the postage costs.

In the event of refusal, the consul will issue a decision against which you can lodge a complaint with the Minister of Foreign Affairs within 7 days. The complaint is lodged via the consul who issued the decision.

What happens if the family chooses not to repatriate the body into Poland?

If the family of the deceased person chooses not to have them brought to Poland, the consul will request local authorities to give them a burial in accordance with local laws (at the cost of local authorities, in public cemeteries).

Remember that the consul will not cover your expenses, provide advice or take decisions on burial arrangements on behalf of the deceased’s family.