Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Spain
For families bringing someone home to Spain. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to Spain: what to expect
Australia has a Spanish-speaking community with family ties to Spain, and Spain is a popular destination for Australian tourists and backpackers. The Spanish Embassy in Canberra is operational, with a consulate in Sydney. When a person with Spanish family connections dies in Australia, the death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The death certificate is apostilled; both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. A certified Spanish translation may be required for the Registro Civil.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Spain 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.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Spain 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 Spain
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Spain funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director takes custody at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), Malaga Airport (AGP), or another airport depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Spain is handled by the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) under the Ministerio de Justicia. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Spanish, accompanied by a certified Spanish translation for the Registro Civil. Sanidad Exterior (the Spanish public health authority) may require documentation confirming the body is cleared for import. Spain joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spain joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Registro Civil in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Spain 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 Spain Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain 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 Spanish funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The Registro Civil under the Ministerio de Justicia registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Spanish translation where not already in Spanish. Sanidad Exterior may require a health clearance document for import. Spain joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1978. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Registro Civil and the relevant health authority.
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. 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 Spain.
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