When your family member has died abroad

Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs or the Finnish embassy or consulate will provide instructions on how to arrange for a cremation, a burial or transport. If the deceased is transported to Finland, the transport will usually be organised by a funeral home.

The Lutheran Church's expatriate and tourist ministers are available to help family and authorities make arrangements and handle practical matters.

If the deceased is buried in the country of death, the next of kin must notify Finland's Population Information System of the date of death. The notification must be made to the Finnish embassy or consulate or by filling out a form at the Local Register Office.

If the deceased is transported to Finland, the medical examiner will write a death certificate and the Population Register Centre, Kela and the deceased person's pension provider will be notified of the death.

If the deceased was a tourist and had valid travel insurance policy, the next of kin must negotiate with the insurance company on transport costs. In other instances, the estate and family will be responsible for the costs.

If the deceased is transported to Finland by request of Finnish authorities, the transport costs will be paid from public funds.