The death of a loved one is a severe emotional shock. In the first hours and days, families must make decisions they have often never faced before. This article is a practical guide for residents of Sochi and Krasnodar Krai: what to do in order, where to call, and how not to miss important deadlines.
The Mausoleum Sochi funeral agency operates 24/7. Call +7 800 77 00 611 and an agent will arrive, explain the next steps, and help with all arrangements. We also support foreign nationals in Sochi and families coordinating funeral matters from outside Russia.
Step 1. Call a doctor to confirm death
If a person passes away at home, call a district doctor or emergency service at 103. The doctor confirms death and issues the medical death certificate, the first mandatory document.
If death occurs in a hospital or hospice, the medical certificate is issued by that institution. Ask the staff where and when it can be collected.
In some cases (sudden death or suspected violent death), a forensic examination may be required. In such situations, the body is transferred to a morgue and document issuance takes longer. A funeral agent will explain exactly how to proceed in your case.
Step 2. Contact a funeral agent
After death is confirmed, we recommend contacting a funeral bureau as soon as possible. In Sochi, you can contact Mausoleum at 60 Dagomysskaya St. We operate every day without days off.
A funeral agent will:
- come to your location or meet you at the funeral home;
- explain the full document process step by step;
- help organize transportation of the body to the morgue;
- offer burial or cremation options based on your budget and family preferences;
- explain the burial benefit and available support options.
Some consultation services are provided free of charge. In a difficult moment, families should not face bureaucracy alone.
Step 3. Obtain the official death certificate
With the medical certificate, apply to the registry office at the place of death or residence of the deceased. They will issue the official state death certificate, a document required for both burial and cremation.
You can also receive a death statement certificate at the registry office. It is needed when applying for the burial benefit and for Social Fund procedures.
The issuance of the official certificate is included in our services list. We help prepare documents and accompany you through the process.
Step 4. Decide on the burial format
The family must choose between:
- coffin burial at a cemetery;
- cremation followed by urn burial or ash scattering;
- other options based on the deceased's wishes and family traditions.
This choice affects timing, costs, and the service package. Our pricing page includes Basic, Full, and Individual burial packages, as well as a cremation package.
Step 5. Choose a burial place
If coffin burial is selected, you need to choose a cemetery and plot. Several cemeteries operate in Sochi and nearby areas. An agent helps with selection and permit arrangements.
The burial place selection service includes consultation, plot booking, and document preparation. Details are available in services.
Step 6. Prepare the body for the farewell ceremony
Body preparation at the funeral home includes washing, dressing, and embalming when needed. The family can choose clothing, ritual items, and a coffin. We provide embalming services in accordance with all sanitary and ethical standards.
Step 7. Organize the farewell ceremony
Mausoleum funeral home has two mourning halls. You can hold:
- a civil memorial service;
- a religious ceremony with clergy coordination support;
- a farewell led by a ceremony host with music accompaniment.
We also help notify relatives of the ceremony date and venue and can arrange an online broadcast when needed. Full details are available in services.
Step 8. Conduct burial or cremation
On the day of the funeral, hearse transportation, cemetery or crematorium ceremony, and burial are organized. The agency coordinates all participants: coffin bearers, clergy, musicians, and drivers.
The complete list of options is available in the section on funeral services in Sochi.
Step 9. Apply for the burial benefit
The state compensates part of funeral expenses. In 2026, the benefit amount is 9,135.37 RUB. To receive it, you need an agency contract and proof of expenses. Step-by-step instructions are in the article about the burial benefit in Sochi.
What you should avoid
- Do not delay contacting an agent: the earlier planning starts, the calmer the process will be.
- Do not accept services from questionable intermediaries near morgues: work with a licensed agency.
- Do not discard medical documents: they are required for the registry office and benefit application.
Mausoleum Sochi contacts
Address: 60 Dagomysskaya St., Sochi
Phone: +7 800 77 00 611 (24/7)
Office hours: daily from 8:30 to 16:30
We are with you at every stage, from the first call to the completion of the farewell ceremony.