Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Germany
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What happens after a death in Brazil
Call SAMU (192) or police (190) for unexpected deaths. All violent, suspicious, or sudden deaths are referred to the Instituto Medico Legal (IML). The certidao de obito is issued by the cartorio de registro civil in Portuguese. Certified English translation required. Sao Paulo (GRU) has the most frequent international cargo connections.
Key facts
Repatriation from Brazil to Germany: what to expect
Brazilian nationals in Germany include professionals, students, and a significant community of German-Brazilian dual nationals, reflecting the historic German settlement in southern Brazil. Germany and Brazil have extensive bilateral trade, with Germany a major investor in Brazilian industry. Portuguese documentation from Brazil requires certified German translation for Standesamt (civil registry) purposes. The German Embassy in Brasilia handles consular matters.
- Key document: Certidao de obito (Brazilian death certificate, in Portuguese) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. IML release required for unexpected or violent deaths.
- British Embassy in Brasilia and Consulate in Sao Paulo register the death and advise.
- Brazil has 26 states and the Federal District, each with its own IML procedures.
- Germany Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Brazil to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +49 30 5000 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death reported to IML. Certidao de obito issued by cartorio de registro civil.
IML must release body before certificate is finalised. Adds time.
Local funeral director and IML
Germany Embassy in Brasilia notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
After IML releases the body.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days. Cannot begin until IML releases body.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Sao Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Brazil to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Germany takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving IML investigation or death in a remote state can take 6-12 weeks.
The Instituto Medico Legal (IML) is Brazil's forensic medical service. All violent, suspicious, sudden, or unexplained deaths are referred to the IML for examination. The body cannot be released until the IML completes its examination and the Ministerio Publico authorises release.
The core documents are: certidao de obito (Brazilian death certificate) with certified English translation, IML release document, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Germany Embassy in Brasilia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Brasilia as soon as possible after the death.
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A Leichenpass or laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Gesundheitsamt may inspect the remains. The death is registered with the local Standesamt. All foreign documents must carry certified German translation where required.
Yes. Cremation in Brazil and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option, though the IML must still release the body for cremation. You will need the certidao de obito, cremation certificate, and export permit.
In Germany
When the body arrives in Germany
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Berlin (BER). A Leichenpass (body transport passport) or equivalent laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local Gesundheitsamt (public health authority) may inspect the remains on arrival. The receiving funeral director registers the death with the local Standesamt (civil registry) if required. (German Federal Foreign Office, Auswaertiges Amt, 2025.)
Consular support
German Embassy in Brasilia can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. Federal Foreign Office (Auswaertiges Amt) emergency assistance: +49 30 5000 2000 (24 hours). The German Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Brazil, 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 · Brazil repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions