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How to obtain a death card in Poland
Who to contact about the karta zgonu and what happens next.
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The farewell hall
The karta zgonu records a death for registration and burial purposes. It is different from the civil death certificate, the akt zgonu.
Contact the medical service first
If someone is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, or you are unsure whether they are alive, call 112 or 999 immediately and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Do not wait for funeral arrangements.
For an expected death at home, contact the treating doctor or hospice team and explain what has happened. Ask who will confirm the death and where the death card will be issued. If your usual practice is closed, the official out-of-hours directory can help you find a medical contact; explain that your enquiry concerns a death.
In a hospital or hospice, ask staff which department will provide the card and how it can be collected. Where the circumstances require investigation, follow the instructions of the medical team and authorities.
Prepare for collection of the document
- Have your relative's identity details and available medical information to hand.
- Confirm who may collect the card and what identification or authority they need.
- Check names, dates and other personal details when the document is issued.
- Tell the issuing service about an error or missing document before proceeding.
The funeral home can help you understand the administrative next step, but it does not replace the professional responsible for confirming and documenting the death.
Use the card to register the death
Contact the civil registry office, Urząd Stanu Cywilnego, responsible for the place of death. The usual reporting deadline is three days from issue of the card; shorter rules apply to an infectious-disease death.
Ask about representation if you want the funeral home to handle registration. You can discuss funeral options while the paperwork is being arranged; collection and subsequent steps must follow the case's medical and official instructions.
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