Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Italy
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Brazil
Call 190 for police or 192 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician and the Certidao de Obito is registered at the local cartorio (Registro Civil). Police and the delegacia (police station) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths.
Key facts
Repatriation from Brazil to Italy: what to expect
Brazil has the world's largest Italian diaspora, with an estimated 30 million Brazilians of Italian ancestry. Italian migration to Brazil, concentrated in Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina, was massive from the 1880s to 1960s, and millions of Brazilians hold or are eligible for Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis. Portugal-language documentation (Certidao de Obito) from Brazil requires certified Italian translation for prefettura and anagrafe purposes. The Italian Embassy in Brasilia and the Consulate General in Sao Paulo handle consular matters. (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
- Key document: Certidao de Obito (death certificate) (in Portuguese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Brasilia registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (local cartorio) promptly.
- Italy Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Brazil to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +39 06 3691 3691.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certidao de obito (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (local cartorio). Violent or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Italy Embassy in Brasilia 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 Italy
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Brazil to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Italy takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (local cartorio) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Certidao de Obito (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 Italy Embassy in Brasilia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Brasilia as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local comune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Brazil is widely available in major cities. 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 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