Scattering Ashes In Austria: What You Should Know

If you're looking to scatter a loved one's ashes in Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Austrian law prohibits the scattering of ashes by anyone other than authorised parties such as funeral directors. Ashes can only be stored in a specific house or apartment if permission is granted by a local authority, and regulations vary by province. If you're considering cremation in Austria, be aware that cremation authorities will only release ashes (in sealed urns) to UK funeral directors upon presentation of the necessary documentation. This includes a medical death certificate, international death certificate, urn acceptance note, and cremation certificate. It's also important to note that embalming is not standard practice in Austria and would only be carried out for repatriation if required by the destination country.

Contacting the travel insurance company

If the deceased had insurance, contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance providers may help to cover the cost of repatriation. Repatriation is the process of bringing the body home. Insurance providers may also help with any medical, legal, interpretation and translation fees.

If the deceased had insurance, the insurance company will appoint a funeral director both locally and in the UK.

What to do if the deceased didn’t have insurance

If you are not sure whether the deceased had insurance, check with their bank, credit card company or employer.

If the deceased did not have insurance, a relative or a formally appointed representative will usually have to appoint a funeral director and be responsible for all costs. The FCDO provides a list of UK-based international funeral directors.

If you wish to arrange a funeral in Austria or repatriate the deceased to the UK, the FCDO provides a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Austria.

Larger funeral directors in Austria will usually be equipped to offer international services such as repatriations.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office cannot help with any costs.

What to do if the person who died didn’t have insurance

Yes, it is possible to scatter ashes in Austria. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, spreading ashes is legally considered to be the disposal of human remains, so most countries have special laws stipulating how cremated remains can be handled. It is important to research and follow the specific laws and regulations of the country and the local area where you plan to scatter the ashes.

In Austria, there are no specific laws or regulations mentioned regarding the scattering of ashes. However, it is always recommended to contact the local authorities, municipality, or cemetery administration directly to ensure compliance with any regulations that may apply in your specific location.

When travelling with ashes, it is generally permitted to carry them with you, but there may be specific requirements or restrictions imposed by the airline or the country of destination. It is essential to contact the airline operator in advance and follow their instructions. Additionally, having the necessary documentation, such as a death certificate and cremation certificate, is crucial when travelling with ashes.

• Contact the local authorities, municipality, or cemetery administration to ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Follow the laws and guidelines of the country and respect cultural and religious traditions.
• Obtain the necessary documentation, such as a death certificate and cremation certificate, to facilitate transportation and scattering.
• Use appropriate containers, such as scatter tubes or biodegradable urns, that are allowed by the airline and local regulations.
• Arrive at the airport early and expect to carry the ashes as hand luggage.
• Contact the embassy of the destination country if there are any specific requirements or restrictions.

Charities and organisations that offer support

• LBT Global
• Repatriation charities in Northern Ireland and Wales

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides a list of UK-based charities and organisations that can help.

The next of kin of the deceased

If you are the next of kin of the deceased and are looking to scatter their ashes in Austria, there are a few things you should know.

Firstly, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations regarding the scattering of ashes. In Austria, only authorised parties such as funeral directors are allowed to accept, hold or transport ashes. Scattering ashes locally is not permitted. However, a local authority can grant permission for ashes to be stored in a sealed urn in a specific house or apartment. The regulations for this vary by province (Bundesland).

If you are considering cremating the deceased locally before scattering their ashes, it is essential to seek advice from a funeral director on the regulations for repatriating ashes from Austria to the UK. The Austrian cremation authorities will only release ashes (in sealed urns) to UK funeral directors, and specific documents are required for the repatriation process. These documents include a medical death certificate, an international death certificate, an urn acceptance note, and a cremation certificate.

Additionally, if you wish to have a UK coroner conduct an inquest into the death, it is recommended not to cremate the deceased abroad.

When travelling with the ashes, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your chosen airline. Most airlines will require a death certificate and a cremation certificate. It is also recommended to carry the ashes in a non-metallic urn to facilitate security screening.

Lastly, if you are driving through multiple countries to reach Austria, it is essential to research the regulations of each country you will be transiting to ensure you comply with their specific requirements.

Registering the death and obtaining a death certificate

Registering a death in Austria and obtaining a death certificate is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Report the Death:

• In Austria, deaths must be reported to the local registry office ("Standesamt") within 72 hours of the death occurring. This is typically done by the funeral home or the hospital where the death took place.
• You will need to provide the deceased person's personal information, such as their full name, date and place of birth, last residence, and information about their spouse or registered partner, if applicable.

Obtain the Death Certificate:

• The death certificate ("Todesfall") can be obtained from the local registry office ("Standesamt") where the death was reported.
• To obtain the death certificate, you will need to provide the necessary documentation, including proof of your relationship to the deceased and your identification.
• There may be a fee for obtaining the death certificate, and it can be issued immediately if applied for in person or through a written application.
• The death certificate will contain information such as the deceased person's family name, forename, last place of residence, date and place of birth, time and place of death, and information about their last marriage or registered partnership.

Register the Death with Other Authorities:

• In addition to the local registry office, you may need to notify other authorities about the death, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the deceased was receiving a pension, you will need to inform the pension provider.
• It is also advisable to notify banks, insurance companies, and other relevant institutions to settle any outstanding matters.

Translation and Apostille:

• If you are a foreign national and need to use the death certificate in your home country, you may need to have it translated and legalised.
• The Austrian authorities can provide a translation aid upon request. For international use, it is recommended to request an international version of the death certificate.
• Depending on your country's requirements, you may also need to obtain an Apostille, which is a certificate that authenticates the document's origin.

Scattering of Ashes:

• In Austria, there are specific regulations regarding the scattering of ashes. It is important to familiarise yourself with these regulations before planning any memorialisation activities.
• The scattering of ashes is generally permitted in designated areas within cemeteries, scattering gardens ("Streuwiesen"), or natural burial grounds ("Naturfriedhof").
• You may need to obtain permission from the local municipality, cemetery administration, or funeral service provider for scattering in specific locations.

Frequently asked questions