Documents Needed After a Death in Czech Republic

The paperwork after a death in the Czech Republic follows a strict sequence — each document unlocks the next step. Miss one and the entire chain stalls. Here is every document you need, who issues it, what it costs, and how long it takes.

Immediate Documents (Days 1–3)

Death Examination Sheet (List o prohlídce zemřelého)

• Issued by: The examining physician
• Cost: Free
• Timeline: Immediately upon examination
• You receive Part B2 (proof of death for funeral arrangements) and Part B3 goes to the funeral home for transport authorization

This is not the death certificate — it is the medical document that triggers the certificate process.

First Week Documents

Document surrender — you must return the deceased's documents to Czech authorities:

• Passport and residence card: Surrender to the Alien Police (Cizinecká policie) or the local registry office
• Health insurance card (VZP or other): Return to the insurer's regional office within 8 days
• Driving license: Return to the Transport Inspectorate

Failure to surrender identity documents within the required window can complicate future dealings with Czech immigration and registry authorities.

First Month Documents

Czech Death Certificate (Úmrtní list)

• Issued by: Local registry office (matriční úřad) in the district of death
• Cost: Free (first copy); 300 CZK per additional certified copy
• Timeline: 15–30 days from receipt of the physician's examination sheet

Multilingual Standard Form (vícejazyčný standardní formulář)

• Issued by: Same registry office, alongside the death certificate
• Cost: 100 CZK
• Use: Eliminates translation and Apostille requirements within EU member states

For International Use (Non-EU Countries)

Three documents are needed in sequence:

1. Regional Verification (vyšší ověření) — Regional Office or Prague Magistrate — 300 CZK — on the spot in person
2. Apostille (apostilní doložka) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalisation Department — 300 CZK — on the spot in person or 10–14 days by mail
3. Certified Court Translation (soudní překlad) — sworn translator — 500–1,000 CZK per page — 2–5 business days

For Repatriation

Transit Permit (Průvodní list pro přepravu lidských pozůstatků)

• Issued by: Regional Hygiene Station (krajská hygienická stanice)
• Cost: Free (administrative cost only)
• Timeline: 1–3 business days
• Required: Death certificate, embalming certificate, certificate of non-contagious death

During Probate (Months 2–6+)

European Certificate of Succession (Evropské dědické osvědčení — EDO)

• Issued by: The court-appointed notary
• Cost: 1,500 CZK plus 21% VAT
• Timeline: 15–30 days from application
• Use: Proves heir status and executor powers across all EU member states — lets you access bank accounts and update land registries in other countries without separate local probate

Document Timeline Summary

The Someone Died in Czech Republic guide includes a printable document recovery tracker with every certificate, permit, and surrender listed with the issuing authority's contact details, so you can check off each one as you go.

See more Czech Republic guides →