What to do if someone dies in Sweden

When a British National Dies in Sweden

Sweden is among the more straightforward European repatriations for UK families. Both Sweden and the UK are signatories to the Strasbourg Convention on the Transfer of Mortal Remains, which reduces some documentation requirements. Direct UK flights operate from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. The Swedish state forensic medicine authority, Rättsmedicinalverket, has offices across the country.

Contact the British Embassy Stockholm immediately. They operate an emergency line 24 hours a day.

Step 1: Report the Death and Police Involvement

All deaths must be reported to the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen). For natural deaths confirmed by a physician, police involvement is limited to registration. For unnatural, sudden, or uncertain-cause deaths, Polisen investigates and issues a clearance once the investigation is confirmed complete.

Sweden has no separate criminal investigation agency; the police authority handles everything from initial scene management to case closure. This simplifies the process compared to countries with parallel investigation structures.

Step 2: Rättsmedicinalverket Post-Mortem

For unnatural or legally uncertain deaths, Rättsmedicinalverket (RMV — the National Board of Forensic Medicine) conducts the post-mortem. RMV offices are in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Linköping, Umeå, and Lund. Regional cases go to the nearest office.

For deaths in Swedish Lapland (Kiruna, Abisko, Jokkmokk), the nearest RMV office is in Umeå. The transfer from Lapland to Umeå is by road and can take several hours; in winter, this occasionally extends to a full day.

The post-mortem report is issued in Swedish. Certified English translation is required for UK entry formalities.

Step 3: Dödsbevis and the Tax Agency

An unusual feature of Swedish death administration is the Dödsbevis — a proof of death issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), which registers the death in the population register. This document is separate from the death certificate (Dödsintyg) issued by the attending physician. Both are needed.

Step 4: International Transport Permit

The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) issues the Transporttillstånd — the international transport permit authorising the body to leave Sweden. As a Strasbourg Convention signatory, Sweden’s transport permit is accepted directly by UK authorities without additional consular legalisation steps.

Do not book cargo flights before the Transporttillstånd is issued.

Step 5: Embalming and Preparation

Embalming to IATA P650 standards is required before international air transport. Licensed Swedish funeral directors in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and other major cities have established repatriation experience.

Step 6: Flights Back to the UK

Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) has direct connections to London Heathrow and Gatwick with SAS and British Airways. Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) serves western Sweden. Malmö Airport (MMX) serves southern Sweden and Malmö / Copenhagen area deaths.

Step 7: UK Arrival Formalities

On arrival in the UK, the coroner reviews the case and a UK death certificate is issued by the local registrar. The family proceeds with UK funeral arrangements.

Winter Sports Context

Sweden draws British tourists for skiing primarily at Åre (the main resort) and Riksgränsen in Lapland. Ski accidents are the leading cause of British tourist deaths in Sweden. Deaths at Åre route through the RMV office in Umeå or Stockholm depending on case complexity.

Getting Help

Repatriate Service works with licensed Swedish partners and manages the full documentation chain — police liaison, Rättsmedicinalverket coordination, Socialstyrelsen transport permit, embalming, and cargo routing from Stockholm or regional airports. Call us directly for immediate assistance.