What to do if someone dies in Serbia

Serbia is one of the more straightforward European repatriations for UK families. The country is a Strasbourg Convention signatory, which standardises death certificate formats. Air Serbia operates direct flights from Belgrade to Heathrow. Documentation is in Serbian (Cyrillic script) and requires certified translation, but the administrative processes are well-structured.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Belgrade

The British Embassy must be notified as soon as possible. Address: Resavska 46, 11000 Belgrade. Phone: +381 11 306 0900. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 1908 516666.

Step 2: Maticna knjiga death registration

Deaths are registered at the local municipality’s Maticna knjiga (births, deaths and marriages register). The Izvod iz maticne knjige umrlih (death certificate extract) is the official document. Serbia is a Strasbourg Convention signatory, so this extract is issued in a standardised multilingual format recognised across all signatory states.

Hospital deaths in Belgrade are typically registered within 24 to 48 hours. For deaths at ski resorts or tourist locations outside the capital, local municipal offices handle registration.

Step 3: MUP investigation and Prosecutor’s Office (unnatural deaths)

For violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, the MUP (Ministry of Interior Police) investigates the scene. The Javno Tuzilastvo (Public Prosecutor’s Office) then takes jurisdiction. For complex deaths, the Prosecutor orders a post-mortem at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade.

The Prosecutor must issue a formal release before embalming can proceed. In clear accident cases, this takes 7 to 14 days. Criminal investigations take longer.

Step 4: Ministry of Health export permit

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia issues the export permit. Required documents: death certificate, MUP police report (if applicable), Institute of Forensic Medicine post-mortem report (if applicable), embalming certificate, British Embassy Belgrade documentation. Allow three to five days for the permit once all documents are complete.

Step 5: Embalming

Embalming is required. Licensed mortuaries in Belgrade carry out the procedure. Several have experience with Air Serbia cargo requirements.

Step 6: Certified translations

Serbian documentation is in Cyrillic script. Certified English translations are required for UK use. Allow two to three days for translation.

Step 7: Routing to the UK

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) has direct cargo services to London Heathrow via Air Serbia. This is the most straightforward routing. Cargo booking proceeds once all export documentation is in place. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Serbia; Serbian Civil Registry Law; Strasbourg Convention on Consular Functions; British Embassy Belgrade guidance (2023).