Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Australia to Ireland: what to expect
Getting a loved one home from Australia to Ireland is entirely achievable. The process follows Australia's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 10-21 days from death to arrival.
- Key documents: Australian death certificate (state-issued) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 (triple zero) for emergency services. If death occurs in hospital, hospital staff handle initial procedures. If death is unexpected, police and the state/territory coroner may be involved. Death must be registered with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registration and certificate
Death must be registered with the state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Local funeral director and registry
Irish Embassy Canberra notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Australian funeral industry operates to high professional standards.
Licensed local funeral director
Complete export documentation and obtain all permits
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air transport to destination
Once all documentation is complete and cleared.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Ireland funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All foreign documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases with complete documentation proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Canberra can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Ireland
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Canberra can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Ireland takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days when documentation is issued promptly. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, investigation, or remote location can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
The core documents are: Australian death certificate (state-issued), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Passport of deceased (or copy), Export permit for human remains. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All foreign documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Yes. Cremation in Australia and bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler and less costly than full body repatriation. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Australia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Ireland.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Australia (gov.uk) · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions