Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Ireland
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Brazil to Ireland: what to expect
Brazil is a complex repatriation jurisdiction. All unexpected deaths are referred to the Instituto Medico Legal (IML). Documentation is in Portuguese and requires certified English translation. Most cases take 3-6 weeks.
- Key document: Certidao de obito with certified English translation and IML release document
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. IML examination mandatory before release.
- Irish Embassy in Brasilia registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Brazil has 26 states each with its own IML procedures. Timelines vary by location.
The process
How repatriation from Brazil works
Call SAMU (192) or police (190) for unexpected deaths. The Instituto Medico Legal (IML) examines all violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths. The certidao de obito is issued by the cartorio de registro civil in Portuguese. A certified English translation is required. Body cannot be released until IML examination is complete and the Ministerio Publico authorises release.
Step by step
Timeline: Brazil to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Brasilia: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death reported to IML. Certidao de obito issued by cartorio de registro civil.
IML must complete examination before certificate is finalised. This is the main delay.
Local funeral director and IML
Irish Embassy Brasilia notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides 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 Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete. TAP Air Portugal via LIS is the most direct route.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish 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 Brazilian documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Brasilia can register the death and advise.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Brazil to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Ireland takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving prolonged 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, sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths are referred to the IML. The body cannot be released until the IML examination is complete and the Ministerio Publico authorises release. This is standard procedure and cannot be bypassed.
The core documents are: certidao de obito with certified English translation, IML release document, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Irish Embassy in Brasilia can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Brazilian documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements without delay.
Yes. Cremation in Brazil is an option, though the IML must still release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the certidao de obito, cremation certificate, and export permit.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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