Guide - formalities, costs, ceremonies
Reliable, clear answers to questions after the loss of a loved one. No jargon, step by step.
In Terra Levis guide we explain step by step: what to do after the death of a loved one, what formalities, how much a funeral costs and how to obtain ZUS allowance (7,000 PLN from 2026). If you have questions, call at any time: 660 950 600.
Costs and formalities
Money, documents, offices - what to arrange and how after losing a loved one.
How much does a funeral in Warsaw cost?
The cost of a funeral in Warsaw in 2026
Read the article →2026 allowance - PLN 7,000 cashless
How much will you actually pay on top? Co-payment calculator and cashless settlement (assignment).
Read the article →ZUS funeral allowance 2026 - step by step
ZUS funeral allowance from 1 January 2026
Read the article →Funeral formalities - what needs to be arranged?
Funeral formalities include: the medical certificate of death from the doctor, the death certificate from the civil registry office (USC), gathering the deceased's documents, reserving a plot at the cemetery and arrangements with the parish or the master of ceremonies.
Read the article →What to do when a loved one dies?
After the death of a loved one you should first call a doctor, who will certify the death and issue the medical certificate of death (at home - the family doctor or the emergency service; in hospital - the doctor on duty).
Read the article →Death certificate - who collects it and where?
The death certificate is issued by the Civil Registry Office competent for the place of death, on the basis of the medical certificate of death.
Read the article →How long is it from the death to the funeral?
In Poland a funeral usually takes place within a few days - most often 3–7 days after the death.
Read the article →Repatriation of the deceased from abroad to Poland
Repatriation of the deceased from abroad requires the consent of the district authority (starosta) competent for the place of burial in Poland, a certificate from the Polish consul in the country of death, a full set of transport documents and a special coffin.
Read the article →Ceremony and farewell
Types of funerals, the course of the ceremony and etiquette.
Cremation or traditional burial?
Both forms are equally dignified - the choice depends on the wishes of the deceased, family tradition, and financial and practical considerations.
Read the article →How to arrange a Catholic funeral?
A Catholic funeral involves agreeing the date and the Mass with the parish, preparing the documents (the death certificate and often a certificate of the sacraments received), reserving the cemetery plot and arranging the ceremony (coffin, flowers, funeral procession).
Read the article →Does a secular funeral take place in a church?
No - a secular funeral does not take place in a church and contains no religious elements.
Read the article →What clothing is the deceased cremated in?
For cremation the deceased is usually dressed and placed in a cremation coffin (of wood or easily combustible materials) - the cremation takes place together with the coffin.
Read the article →How to say goodbye to the deceased?
The last farewell is the moment when loved ones say goodbye to the deceased before the coffin or urn is laid to rest - by the coffin (sometimes open), in the farewell hall or at the graveside.
Read the article →How to write a farewell to the family on behalf of the deceased?
The rules, the order of forms of address, the length of the text and a practical template for a eulogy.
Read the article →The wake - what is it?
The consolation gathering, or wake, is a meeting of loved ones after the funeral - a shared meal during which the family and guests remember the deceased and support one another.
Read the article →Coffins, urns and flowers
How to choose consciously and what to consider.
How to choose a coffin?
A coffin is chosen according to the material (most often pine or oak), the finish, the fittings and the form of burial.
Read the article →How to choose a funeral wreath?
A wreath or bouquet is chosen according to your relationship with the deceased, the character of the ceremony and the season.
Read the article →Columbarium - what is it?
A columbarium is a structure or wall with niches in which urns with ashes are placed.
Read the article →What is an epitaph?
An epitaph is a short inscription commemorating a deceased person, placed on a headstone, slab or memorial plaque.
Read the article →Customs and support
Traditions, etiquette and support during mourning.
What to wear to a funeral?
For a funeral one chooses subdued, elegant and covering clothing - in black, navy, grey or dark brown.
Read the article →Thanatocosmetics and post-mortem make-up
Thanatocosmetics are cosmetic procedures performed on the deceased, intended to give the body a calm, natural appearance before the farewell - they include, among others,
Read the article →