Repatriation of a deceased body from abroad

If a death occurs abroad, the death should be registered according to the local regulations of that country and a Death Certificate should be obtained.

To bring a body back to England or Wales you will need either the Death Certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so.

The foreign registration authority will issue a death certificate which needs to be taken to the registrar of the district in which the burial or cremation is taking place.

Arrangements 

To arrange a funeral in England or Wales after the person has died abroad you will need the following:

·         An authenticated translation of a Death Certificate showing the cause of death

·         A Certificate of No Liability to Register from the registrar in England and Wales.

(This certificate must be obtained from the registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased).

To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Home Office or a form E from the coroner will be required.   If the death was from natural causes, the Home Office will require the following documentation; 

·         Application for cremation (form A)

·         All original documentation from the country where death occurred.  

·         Translation of documents if necessary.  

If the death was not natural it will be referred to the coroner who will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of death.    In this case the coroner will issue form E for cremation.