Do I need a UK death certificate after a death abroad?
Not for repatriation itself. You can repatriate using the foreign death certificate and related paperwork. A UK death certificate is still recommended for probate and estate tasks.
You do not need a UK death certificate to physically bring someone home.
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Send us the detailsWhat is used for repatriation
- Local death certificate from the country of death
- Embalming certificate
- Burial transit permit or export permit
- Airline cargo documentation
Why families still get a UK certificate
Many banks, insurers, pension providers, and probate processes are easier with a UK-recorded death.
For deaths abroad, families usually register through UK channels after the event rather than at a local UK register office.
Bottom line
Repatriation can proceed first. UK registration is still worth doing for later administration.
Need help?
Send us the details
Tell us what has happened and we will explain the next steps and prepare a quote, from any country to any country.
Send an enquiryOther questions
- How much does repatriation cost?
- Does travel insurance cover repatriation?
- How long does repatriation take?
- What is a burial transit permit?
- Does a body need embalming for repatriation?
- What does the British Embassy do?
- How is a body transported on a plane?
- What happens with no travel insurance?
- UK coroner and deaths abroad
- Who pays for repatriation?
Tell us what has happened
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote. We arrange repatriation to any country.