Until relatively recently, cremation in Poland was an uncommon method of burial. However, an increasing number of individuals now express the desire for their own or their loved ones’ remains to be cremated. This shift is attributed both to evolving cultural attitudes toward the final farewell and to practical and economic considerations.
Due to the traditionally negative connotations associated with terms such as “crematorium” or “cremation” in Polish culture, the word “incineration” is also frequently used.
The following outlines key aspects of the cremation process and addresses common misconceptions.
Polish law permits the cremation of human remains. In order to proceed, a shortened death certificate issued by the Civil Registry Office is required, along with written authorization for cremation, signed by the closest relative responsible for arranging the funeral. In lieu of written consent, the deceased’s last will and testament—if it includes clear instructions regarding cremation—may suffice.
In cases involving cremation of exhumed remains, a permit from the local sanitary-epidemiological station (powiatowa stacja sanitarno-epidemiologiczna) is also necessary.
The deceased should be prepared in the same manner as for a traditional burial. The body may be clothed in garments of choice or wrapped in a designated shroud. Clothing containing synthetic materials should be avoided. Furthermore, metallic items and electronic devices—especially those containing batteries, such as mobile phones or pacemakers—must not be included. Personal items such as alcohol, cosmetics, or lighters are also prohibited.
A special cremation coffin—typically constructed of untreated wood or cardboard and devoid of lacquer and metal components—is required. In some cases, an ecological coffin made of materials such as wicker or a designated cremation shroud may be used.
Prior to cremation, a short farewell ceremony is often held for immediate family members. This typically concludes with the placement of the coffin into the cremation chamber.
Contrary to portrayals in popular media, the coffin is not engulfed in flames. Cremation occurs through the application of extremely high temperatures, ranging from 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius (1470–1830°F), using heated air. The duration of the process depends on several variables, including the material of the coffin, the type of cremation furnace, and the weight of the deceased. The entire procedure, including the cooling of ashes, generally takes approximately two hours.
Following cremation, remaining bone fragments are processed in a specialized device to produce a fine, uniform consistency. The resulting ashes are then respectfully placed in an urn.
Under current Polish law, the urn containing the ashes must be interred in a cemetery—either in a traditional grave or in a designated columbarium. It is not permitted to retain the urn in a private residence or to scatter the ashes in any location, including forests, meadows, or bodies of water.
While not all members of the clergy view cremation favorably, the Catholic Church does not prohibit this practice. A funeral Mass may be celebrated in the presence of either a coffin or an urn, as may the final rites at the cemetery.
Cremation in no way diminishes the dignity of the deceased. Given its practical advantages, it is likely to become an increasingly common method of burial.
Absolutely. You can count on our full support with the formalities, transportation of your spouse’s body or ashes, and organizing the final farewell ceremony.
Keep in mind that the right to repatriate a body belongs to the deceased’s relatives (including spouses) up to the 4th degree of kinship. In Poland, the legal basis for bringing a deceased person’s body into the country is Article 14 of the 1959 Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Dead.
We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for you. If you decide to hold the funeral ceremony in Poland and need assistance with the formalities, we will do everything we can to relieve you of as many responsibilities as possible. You can count on us to handle the entire process with care and professionalism.
+48 22 831 00 36 
biuro@bongo.com.pl 
