Transport and Storage of the Deceased
· 2 min read
Arranging transport
Transport of the deceased is arranged through the funeral home. When death occurs at a hospital or care facility, the staff transfer the deceased to cold storage. The funeral home collects the body at an agreed time. In a death at home, the initial transfer is handled by the police or rescue service, after which the funeral home continues the transport arrangements. A transport casket designed to ensure hygiene and dignity is used.
Under the Burial Act, transport must be carried out in a dignified manner that respects the deceased.
Storage before burial
The deceased is stored in cold storage at a temperature of 2–6 degrees Celsius until burial or cremation takes place. Hospitals and care facilities have their own cold storage, and parishes have facilities at their cemeteries. The storage period is usually 1–3 weeks. Longer storage is possible, for example during a forensic investigation. Storage is often free of charge for the first few days, after which a daily or weekly fee is charged. The body can be viewed in cold storage by arrangement.
Transport to another locality
The deceased can be transported to another locality for burial. Long-distance transport is arranged through the funeral home and requires a transport casket. Costs depend on the distance and are typically EUR 300–1,500. Transport can also be arranged by rail or air for longer distances. A burial permit is required for transport. The receiving cemetery must be contacted in advance to arrange the plot and schedule.
International transport
Transporting a deceased person abroad or from abroad to Finland requires special measures. The body is transported in a zinc-lined or sealed special casket, and airline cargo regulations must be met. Required documents include a death certificate, burial permit, possible consular certification, and embalming certificate. Finnish embassies abroad assist in cases of death. The cost of international transport is typically EUR 3,000–10,000. Travel insurance may cover part of the costs if death occurs during a trip.
Costs
Transport costs for the deceased vary by distance and service. Local transport handled by the funeral home typically costs EUR 200–500. The daily cold storage fee is EUR 10–30 after the initial free days. Longer domestic transports cost EUR 500–1,500. Transport costs are part of the funeral expenses, which are deducted from the estate's assets in the estate inventory. It is advisable to request an itemised invoice for estate inventory purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for transporting the deceased?
The funeral home usually handles the transport of the deceased. From a hospital or care facility, the deceased is transferred to cold storage, from which the funeral home collects the body at an agreed time. In cases of death at home, the police or rescue service handle the initial transfer. Under the Burial Act (457/2003), the transport of the deceased must be carried out in a dignified and proper manner. The funeral home arranges transport from cold storage to the blessing ceremony and onward to the cemetery or crematorium.
How long is the deceased stored before burial?
Under Section 16 of the Burial Act (457/2003), the deceased must be buried or cremated without undue delay. In practice, burial or cremation usually takes place 1–3 weeks after death. The deceased is stored in cold storage at a temperature typically of 2–6 degrees Celsius. For longer storage, freezing can be used. A forensic investigation can extend the storage period. Parish and hospital cold storage facilities are usually free of charge for a certain period, after which a storage fee is charged.
How is the transport of the deceased from abroad to Finland arranged?
Transporting a deceased person from abroad to Finland requires special arrangements. A death certificate, burial permit, and possibly a consular certificate are needed. The body is transported in a zinc-lined or sealed casket as air freight. Funeral homes specialising in international transports handle the practical arrangements. The Finnish embassy or consulate assists in cases of death abroad. Transport costs vary by country of origin and distance, typically EUR 3,000–10,000.
Can a family member transport the deceased themselves?
The law does not explicitly prohibit a family member from transporting the deceased, but in practice the transport requires a suitable vehicle and a transport casket. Transporting the deceased in a passenger car is not recommended for hygiene and dignity reasons. Funeral homes have purpose-built vehicles that meet hygiene requirements. If a family member wishes to participate in the transport, the funeral home can arrange an escort convoy. A transport casket is a special casket that prevents fluid leakage and ensures hygiene.
Read also
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.