Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Brazil to Switzerland
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Repatriation from Brazil to Switzerland: what to expect
Brazilian nationals form part of Switzerland's Latin American diaspora, working in finance, hospitality, and international organisations in Geneva and Zurich. Portugal-language documentation from Brazil requires certified German or French translation for Swiss authorities. The Swiss Embassy in Brasilia handles consular matters. This corridor handles cases where a Switzerland-based Brazilian has a family member die in Brazil.
- 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.
- Switzerland 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 Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Switzerland: +41 800 24-7-365).
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
Switzerland 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
Switzerland 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 Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Brazil to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Brasilia can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Brasilia as soon as possible after the death.
The Swiss Bestatter takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation.
Yes. Cremation in Brazil and bringing the ashes home to Switzerland 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 Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Brasilia can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 Switzerland.
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