Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Greece
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Repatriation from Australia to Greece: what to expect
Australia has one of the largest Greek communities outside Greece, with around 400,000 people of Greek heritage concentrated particularly in Melbourne, which is sometimes described as the third largest Greek city in the world by population. The Australia-Greece repatriation corridor is one of the most active from Australia to Europe. The Greek Embassy in Canberra is operational. When a Greek national or a person of Greek heritage dies in Australia, the death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Greece joined in 1985. (FCDO Travel Advice: Greece, 2025; General Secretariat for Civil Registration, Ministry of Interior, Greece, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Canberra registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Greece Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) or Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Greece is handled by the Lixiarheio (civil registry) under the General Secretariat for Civil Registration of the Ministry of Interior. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Greek translation for submission to the Lixiarheio. The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) is notified for medico-legal purposes where required. Greece joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (General Secretariat for Civil Registration, Ministry of Interior, Greece, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Greece, 2025.)
Consular support
The Greek Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greece joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Lixiarheio in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death is certified by a registered medical practitioner. The death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Australia is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The registration process is straightforward; the coroner's release is the main cause of delay in complex cases.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Greece Embassy in Canberra notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Greece
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Greece takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Greece Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The Lixiarheio (civil registry) under the General Secretariat for Civil Registration registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Greek translation. The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) is notified where required. Greece joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Lixiarheio.
Cremation in Australia is widely available in all states and territories. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions