24-hour on-call service
+385 1 48 17 310
+385 98 213 384
(0-24) What to do in the event of death
What to do in the event of death
Preradovićeva 30, 10 000 Zagreb
+385 1 48 17 310
+385 98 213 384
(0-24) Office Hours
Mon–Fri: 8:00 – 16:30
Sat: 8:00 – 13:30
Sun: By appointment
REPORTING A DEATH
BASIC INFORMATION FOR REPORTING A DEATH (if known) occurring in a house, apartment, public area, or any other location.
-
Full name of the deceased person -
Time of death -
Age of the deceased (completed years) -
Place (address) of death -
Did the deceased person suffer from an illness or receive treatment at a healthcare facility? -
Full name and contact details of the person reporting the death -
In the event of a natural death, the family may dress the deceased's body themselves or entrust this task to funeral home staff.
Location
ZAGREB
In the event of a death within the City of Zagreb, the death must be reported immediately by calling the police (192) or the National Protection and Rescue Directorate (112).
Next, please contact the funeral home In Memoriam – Zagreb so that we can arrange for the transport of the deceased once the coroner has officially pronounced the death.
When reporting the death, you will need to provide basic information, regardless of the cause (natural causes, accident, or violence). The police and the coroner will arrive at the scene as soon as possible.
Funeral arrangements without visiting our office: If, for any reason, the family is unable to visit one of our offices, our representative will come to your location to handle the arrangements. Alternatively, funeral arrangements can be made via telephone or email, as we aim to provide maximum convenience and flexibility at all times. Your peace of mind and the dignity of the deceased are our top priorities, wherever you may be.
OUTSIDE ZAGREB
When a death occurs outside the City of Zagreb (at a house, apartment, in a public space, or any other location), the reporting of a death due to natural causes (illness or old age) is handled by the competent local health center or emergency medical service in the area where the death occurred.
In the event of an accident or a violent death, the incident should be reported by calling the competent police department at 192, emergency medical services at 194, or the State Office for Protection and Rescue at 112.
Afterward, please contact the funeral company In Memoriam – Zagreb so that we can arrange for the transport of the deceased once the coroner has officially pronounced the death.
HOSPITAL
If a death occurs in a hospital or other healthcare facility within the Republic of Croatia, the family should contact the department where the person was admitted and treated.
After speaking with the physician on duty or the head of the department and obtaining the necessary documentation, it is necessary to contact the pathology department or the hospital morgue to arrange for the collection of the deceased.
Note: In the event of a death in a hospital or other healthcare facility, the funeral home *In Memoriam – Zagreb* can collect the deceased without the family needing to go to the hospital. We will require basic information about the deceased to complete the necessary paperwork.
Clothing:
Before going to the hospital, it is recommended to prepare the clothing and footwear in which the deceased is to be buried, and either bring them to the hospital or hand them over to the funeral home staff.
Note: This applies exclusively to traditional burials. For cremations, our service includes the provision of a suitable cotton shroud (cremation attire) that meets all the crematorium’s technical and aesthetic standards.
Death in a nursing home or care facility
The facility staff report the death to the appropriate authorities.
The next of kin or guardian will be promptly notified of the death and may then contact our staff at 01/4817-310 or 098/213-384 to arrange for the collection of the deceased and the organization of the funeral service.
Coroner
Upon receiving a report of a death, police officers or a coroner arrive at the scene as soon as possible to officially confirm the death.
Before the coroner arrives, the following should be prepared:
- Prepare medical records if the deceased had been ill or treated at a healthcare facility.
- Provide a photo ID of the deceased to verify their identity.
- Ensure unobstructed access to the deceased for the examination of the body and determination of the cause of death.
- Personal details of the deceased:
- full name
- surname prior to
- marriage
- date and time of death
- place of death
- date of birth
- place of birth
- ethnicity
- citizenship
- occupation
- place of residence and address
- of domicile
- marital status (full name of spouse if the deceased was married)
- full names of the deceased’s parents
Accidental or Violent Death
In accordance with the Criminal Code and the Act on the Examination and Determination of the Cause of Death, the official authorized to conduct the on-site investigation—and responsible for examining the deceased and establishing the circumstances and cause of death—may order the transfer of the body to the competent institution for an autopsy. An autopsy is performed to precisely determine the cause of death and all relevant facts surrounding the circumstances of the death.
Funeral outside the place of death
TRANSPORT PERMIT
A transport permit is a document authorizing the transport of a deceased person; it is issued by the competent sanitary inspector for the area where the death occurred, provided the funeral is to take place outside the location of death.
The following documents are required to obtain the transport permit:
- Death certificate (issued by the coroner)
- Burial plot certificate (issued by the relevant cemetery)
- Photo ID of the deceased
- Photo ID of the person arranging the funeral
- International death certificate (extract from the death register)
- Marriage certificate (if the deceased was married)
With a notarized power of attorney, the funeral company In Memoriam – Zagreb can obtain all the necessary documentation on behalf of the deceased’s family for the transport of the deceased from the place of death.
