Cremation in Finland and Taking the Ashes to Ukraine

In 30 seconds.

• A body is cremated once a doctor determines the cause of death and issues a burial permit (hautauslupa). This permit is given to the crematorium.
• If the deceased did not name a person to handle the funeral, the arrangements are made by the spouse or cohabiting partner and the closest heirs.
• Ashes are released only for burial or permanent placement in a single location. The recipient must notify the crematorium in writing about where the ashes will be taken.
• The ashes must be buried within one year after cremation.
• Transporting an urn with ashes to Ukraine costs from 800 €, with no upfront payment.

Call +380 77 882 77 77Inquire about an urn

Who Gives Consent for Cremation in Finland

First, the wishes of the deceased are respected. If the person explicitly named someone during their lifetime to handle their funeral and cremation, that person makes the decisions.

If there are no such instructions, the funeral is arranged by the spouse or a person who lived with the deceased in a common household in a marriage-like relationship, together with the closest heirs. If none of them takes on the responsibility, another close person may do so. If there is no one, the municipality arranges the funeral.

If relatives cannot agree on the method or place of burial, the dispute is settled by the district court (käräjäoikeus) in the municipality where the deceased lived. For a family abroad, this is a lengthy process, so it is best to reach an agreement among yourselves in advance.

If the Family Is in Ukraine

You do not have to travel to Finland. The doctor issues the burial permit to the person who stated they are arranging the funeral or cremation, or to a company authorized by that person. You sign a power of attorney, and our partners in Finland coordinate with the funeral home and the crematorium. We clarify whether the power of attorney needs to be translated into Finnish or Swedish before we begin.

How Long Is the Wait for Cremation

The law does not set a minimum waiting period between death and cremation. Everything depends on when the burial permit is issued. When the cause of death is clear, the doctor issues it quickly. When an autopsy is required, it takes longer.

Next is the crematorium schedule. The date is provided by the crematorium or the funeral home. Weekends and public holidays also add days.

Important for families living far away: the ashes must be buried or permanently placed within one year of cremation. If relatives do not do this even after a reminder, the ashes will be buried at the expense of the estate in the cemetery where the deceased had the right to be buried.

The Urn for Transport

The urn is usually chosen at the funeral home. For travel, a sturdy metal or wooden urn is best, avoiding glass or thin ceramics. The crematorium keeps a register recording the deceased's name, the date of cremation, and the destination of the ashes. Therefore, the details on the urn and in the documents must match.

If transported by plane, the urn is usually taken in carry-on luggage by prior arrangement with the airline. At security, it is screened by X-ray. Each airline sets its own rules, so we check with the carrier in advance.

Can You Transport the Urn Yourself

Yes. The ashes are released to the recipient who has stated in writing where they will be buried. A relative can collect the urn and travel with it themselves.

Where problems usually arise: the statement of the burial place is not coordinated with a cemetery in Ukraine; the death certificate was ordered without an apostille, and it cannot be added to an already issued document later; or the urn was not approved by the airline. If you are short on time or cannot travel to Finland, it is better to entrust this to us.

Burying the Urn in Ukraine

An urn can be buried in a separate grave, placed in a columbarium, or interred in an existing family grave. You will need the cemetery's consent and the documents we bring with the urn. For the Finnish crematorium, the cemetery's consent is necessary even before the ashes are released. Read more in our article on urn burial.