In Riga, a waiver of an autopsy can be granted in cases where the death is clearly due to natural causes and this fact is confirmed by the relevant medical documents. If the body is transferred to a forensic morgue, it is impossible to refuse an autopsy.
Bodies are transported from Riga clinics to morgues using specialized vehicles: official vehicles of the respective hospitals. Medical facility staff are required to inform relatives of the morgue in which the body is located.
Address and phone number of the morgue
Address of the morgue:
Hippokrata Street 2, bldg. 6, Riga, LV-1038.
The following are open at the Hippokrata Forensic Morgue:
Visitor reception hours:
Mon. - Fri.: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Sat. - Sun.: closed.
Opening hours:
Mon. - Fri.: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Sat. – Sun: Closed.
Inquiries:
Information about working with the morgue, arranging necessary documents, transportation of the deceased, and funeral arrangements can be obtained by calling the Riga City Funeral Service.
+371 2944 9849
Forensic Morgue Services on Hippocrates Street
Upon death, the body of the deceased is taken to the morgue, where various procedures are performed depending on the circumstances of the death.
If death occurred naturally and the cause is clear to medical professionals, relatives may decline an autopsy. In this case, the morgue offers the following commercial burial preparation services:
- body storage in a refrigerated chamber;
- body preparation for funeral;
- embalming;
- dressing and placing in a coffin.
The specialists at the morgue on Hippokrata Street also handle the necessary documentation regarding the services provided and examinations performed. In cases where the cause of death remains unclear, such as an accident, injury, or homicide, a forensic examination is conducted. Highly qualified doctors and specialists with access to the necessary diagnostic equipment work at the morgues on Hippokrata Street in Riga.
Typical approaches to examining a deceased body include expert examinations and histological studies, which can be classified into three levels according to complexity and cost:
- Category 1 – sudden death, drowning, suicide by hanging.
- Category 2 – deaths caused by local mechanical injuries.
- Category 3 – complex cases requiring legal or administrative intervention, examination of medical records, and autopsy of bodies after exhumation.
Depending on the equipment and qualifications of specialists, each morgue has its own capabilities for performing tests and examinations, which facilitates the accurate determination of the cause of death and the collection of data for the investigation.
Document Processing at the Riga Morgue
The morgue provides a medical certificate of cause of death and an embalming certificate, which are necessary for the funeral service, memorial service, and long-distance transportation of the deceased.
How to Obtain Documents from the Forensic Morgue on Hippokrata Street
Documents required for funeral arrangements can be obtained at the morgue. These documents can be obtained by funeral planners, relatives of the deceased, or Funeral Home staff with a power of attorney.
Assistance with the Morgue of the Forensic Medical Examination Center
The specialists of the Riga CITY FUNERAL SERVICE, with their extensive experience in funeral arrangements and knowledge of legal regulations, can quickly organize funeral ceremonies and prepare everything necessary for the funeral at the morgue on Hippokrata Street. For more information and to order services, please contact +371 2944 9849.
What to do if a loved one is in the morgue
At home/apartment
In a hospital
In a public place
In another city
Call a service representative by phone +371 2944 9849 or submit a request on the website.
Prepare the deceased's passport, as well as the passports of anyone with the deceased.
Check the service representative's information, as well as the emergency service personnel's identification cards.
Call a service representative to the hospital by phone +371 2944 9849 or submit a request on the website.
Once the representative arrives, verify their information with the information you previously provided over the phone.
Start the paperwork with our representative, then follow their recommendations.
Emergency services register the death and take the body to the forensic morgue.
Law enforcement officials contact relatives and inform them where the deceased has been taken.
After reporting the death, call a funeral service specialist at +371 2944 9849
Call the service's hotline at +371 2944 9849 or submit a request on the website.
Enter into an agreement with the funeral service, outlining all services provided.
A specialist will gather all necessary documents and arrange for the repatriation and reception of the deceased in the desired city.
Funeral services after transfer from the morgue
How much a funeral in Riga costs
All essential services for cremation
Optimal set of goods and services for cremation
Extended cremation set with farewell in the hall
All essential services for burial
Optimal set of goods and services for burial
Extended burial set with farewell in the hall
Funeral plans may be subject to adjustment.
Changing the funeral plan will allow for a more personalized and meaningful farewell ceremony that reflects the uniqueness and importance of the deceased to their loved ones and community.
Client reviews
We contacted the Riga City Funeral Service—the staff was attentive and promptly processed all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony was organized with respect and appropriate level—without unnecessary formality, but with a dignified approach. Next time, I might clarify the details online, but overall, we were satisfied.
Excellent service during a difficult time: professional, personable, and calm. The staff helped with all the paperwork and offered advice on how to best organize the funeral. I recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet service.
What are the opening hours of Morgue of the State Forensic Medical Examination Center?
The morgue is open Monday–Friday 08:30–17:00. Closed on other days.
Who arranges a funeral from the morgue?
The Riga City Funeral Service arranges the full cycle: transfer from the morgue, documents, hearse and the farewell ceremony. Call us 24/7 at +371 2944 9849.
How to collect the deceased from the morgue?
The Riga City Funeral Service handles the transfer of the deceased from the morgue and the further funeral arrangements. Call +371 2944 9849 — we will help with documents, transport and the farewell ceremony.
What documents does the morgue issue?
The morgue issues a medical death certificate and an embalming certificate, required for the farewell ceremony or transportation of the deceased.
How long can the deceased be kept in the morgue?
Usually the deceased is kept in the morgue until the funeral day. The funeral service will help agree the exact term by phone +371 2944 9849.
Riga Morgues on the Map