Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Malta
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Australia to Malta: what to expect
Australia has one of the largest Maltese diaspora communities in the world, with significant populations in Melbourne and Sydney dating from post-war Commonwealth migration. When a person with Maltese connections dies in Australia and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Malta, the death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Australian death certificates in English require no translation for use in Malta. The Malta High Commission in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for the Public Registry (Identity Malta). Australia and Malta are both Hague Apostille Convention members. (Malta High Commission, Canberra, 2025; Identity Malta Public Registry, 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.
- Malta Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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. The British High Commission in Canberra or the relevant Consulate can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Malta
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
Malta 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 Malta
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Malta funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Malta
When the body arrives in Malta
The Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) at Luqa cargo terminal. Death registration in Malta is handled by the Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency. Death certificates are issued in Maltese and English, both official languages. Malta has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is widely used in administration. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Identity Malta Public Registry, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Malta, 2025.)
Consular support
The Malta High Commission or Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Malta. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Malta
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Malta 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 Malta Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Malta 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 Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) Luqa cargo terminal. The Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency, registers the death and issues certificates in Maltese and English. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is used throughout the administration process. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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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If your loved one has passed away in Australia, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
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