Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Macau
This guide explains what happens after a death in Macau, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Macau
Macau (Macao SAR) is a Special Administrative Region of China. It operates under a distinct Portuguese-influenced civil law system, separate from both mainland China and Hong Kong. The British Consulate General in Hong Kong provides consular support for Macau on a non-resident basis.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately: this 24-hour line connects you to consular staff. The British Consulate General in Hong Kong can be reached at +852 2901 3000.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. All deaths are registered with the Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Registry Conservatory). Non-natural deaths (accidents, suspected criminal involvement) require clearance from the Polícia Judiciária (Judicial Police) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Consulate General, Hong Kong.
Step 2: Obtain the Death Certificate
The Conservatória do Registo Civil issues the death certificate in Chinese and/or Portuguese. Both languages require certified English translation for UK Coroner use.
Step 3: Engage a UK Repatriation Specialist
Macau’s distinct legal system, bilingual documentation in Chinese and Portuguese, non-resident consular cover, and practical routing via Hong Kong all require careful coordination. A specialist UK repatriation firm manages the entire process.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Polícia Judiciária clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Embalming certificate | International air transport requirement |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Customs and quarantine |
| Export permit | Macau SAR Government |
| Consular death registration | British CG, Hong Kong |
| UK Coroner import permission | Required before the body enters the UK |
Step 5: Routing via Hong Kong
Macau International Airport (MFM) has regional connections, but most UK repatriations route via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which has direct flights to London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). The ferry crossing from Macau to Hong Kong takes approximately 1 hour.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is handed to a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation. The funeral can then proceed.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: Conservatória do Registo Civil, Macau SAR; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British CG Hong Kong consular guidance.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in Macau will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from Macau requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Macau alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | Macau paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for Macau
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from Macau to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Macau · Frequently asked questions