Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Japan
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Brazil to Japan: what to expect
Brazil hosts the world's largest Japanese diaspora outside Japan, with over 1.5 million Nikkei (Japanese-Brazilian) residents. Some Nikkei Brazilians return to Japan to live and work, creating a reverse corridor. Japan to Japan repatriation via Brazil handles cases where Japanese-heritage Brazilians need remains returned to Japan. Portuguese documentation from Brazil requires certified Japanese translation. The Japanese 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.
- Brazil has 26 states and the Federal District, each with its own IML procedures.
- Japan Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
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.
Step by step
Timeline: Brazil to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
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
Japan 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sosogiya) takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Kansai International (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality (shi/ku/cho/son) registers the death in the koseki (family register). A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulations apply to the import of human remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Brazil to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Japan 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 Japan Embassy in Brasilia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Brasilia as soon as possible after the death.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality registers the death in the koseki. A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the municipal office and health authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Brazil and bringing the ashes home to Japan 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Brazil, 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 Japan.
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 Brazil (gov.uk) · Brazil repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions