Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Portugal
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Repatriation from Brazil to Portugal: what to expect
Brazilian nationals form the largest immigrant community in Portugal, with over 400,000 residents. Brazil and Portugal share language, legal traditions, and close cultural ties. This is Portugal's highest-volume non-EU repatriation corridor. Documentation is in Portuguese on both sides, which simplifies many requirements. Direct flights connect Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other Brazilian cities to Lisbon.
- 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.
- Portugal Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Portugal
When the body arrives in Portugal
The Portuguese agencia funeraria (funeral director) takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. An Autoridade de Saude (health authority) clearance is required before burial or cremation can proceed. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Portugal is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents from EU-origin countries may use a multilingual EU death certificate. Documents from non-EU countries require certified Portuguese translation. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 2025.)
Consular support
Portuguese Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Portugal. Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) emergency line: +351 21 394 6000 (24 hours). The Portuguese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Portugal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Portugal: +351 21 394 6000).
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
Portugal 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
Portugal funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Brazil to Portugal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Portugal 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 Portugal Embassy in Brasilia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Portugal Embassy in Brasilia as soon as possible after the death.
The Portuguese agencia funeraria (funeral director) takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. Autoridade de Saude clearance is required. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. EU-origin documents may use a multilingual EU certificate. Non-EU documents require certified Portuguese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local health authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Brazil and bringing the ashes home to Portugal 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
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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