Question 1

How long does repatriation from Lisbon take?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation from Lisbon, Portugal typically takes 7-14 days in a straightforward case. The process follows standard Portugal procedure: local funeral director handles embalming and documentation, cargo departs from LIS airport. Complex cases involving post-mortem can take 3-6 weeks.

Question 2

Who do I contact first when someone dies in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

When someone dies in Lisbon, contact a specialist repatriation company and the embassy or consulate of the person's own country as soon as possible. The specialist will coordinate with a licensed local funeral director in Lisbon and notify the relevant local authorities. Avoid instructing a local funeral director directly before engaging a specialist, as this can complicate documentation.

Question 3

Which airport does repatriation cargo fly from in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation cargo from Lisbon typically departs from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Cargo is transported as human remains on full-service commercial airlines. Budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet do not carry human remains.

Question 4

What documents are needed for repatriation from Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

The required documents for repatriation from Lisbon include: local death certificate, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and airline cargo documentation. The local funeral director in Lisbon will obtain most of these on the family's behalf. Documentation typically takes 3-7 days for full documentation.

Local funeral director	Set by the firm handling the case in Lisbon
Air freight from LIS	Turns on routing and how often flights go
Investigation	A post-mortem or inquest adds mortuary time
Reception at home	Depends on the receiving funeral home

Repatriation from Lisbon, Portugal

Deaths in Lisbon: local context

Common circumstances

Airport cargo

Flights and routing

Local considerations in Lisbon

Hospitals and forensic services in Lisbon

Hospitals

Forensic mortuary

Repatriation from Lisbon: how it works

Embassy contact

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