Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to the Netherlands
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to the Netherlands: what to expect
Australia has one of the largest Dutch-heritage communities outside the Netherlands, with several hundred thousand Australians of Dutch descent, reflecting substantial post-Second World War migration in the late 1940s and 1950s. The Australia-Netherlands repatriation corridor is among the most active from Australia to northern Europe. The Netherlands Embassy in Canberra is operational. When a person with Dutch family connections 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. (FCDO Travel Advice: Netherlands, 2025; BRP, Gemeente, Netherlands, 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.
- the Netherlands Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to the Netherlands
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
the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Netherlands funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the Netherlands
When the body arrives in the Netherlands
The Dutch funeral director takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) cargo terminal. For destinations in southern Netherlands, Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) or Eindhoven Airport (EIN) may be used. Death registration in the Netherlands is handled by the local municipality (gemeente), which registers the death in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP, the personal records database). The akte van overlijden (death certificate) is issued by the gemeente. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Dutch, accompanied by a certified Dutch translation for the gemeente. The officier van justitie (public prosecutor) is notified for violent or unexplained deaths. The Netherlands joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Basisregistratie Personen BRP, Gemeente, Netherlands, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Netherlands, 2025.)
Consular support
The Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Netherlands. The Netherlands joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the receiving gemeente for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to the Netherlands
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Netherlands 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 Dutch funeral director takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or the relevant regional airport cargo terminal. The gemeente registers the death in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Dutch translation where not already in Dutch. The officier van justitie handles violent or unexplained deaths. The Netherlands joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local gemeente.
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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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