Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Canada to Brazil
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Repatriation from Canada to Brazil: what to expect
Canada hosts a growing Brazilian-Canadian community, with nationals concentrated in Toronto and Vancouver working in professional services and technology. The Brazilian Consulate in Toronto and Embassy in Ottawa are fully operational. When a Brazilian national dies in Canada and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Brazil, the death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro receives the remains. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; Canada joined in November 2024. Both countries are now Hague members, simplifying document authentication. ANVISA clearance is required for all incoming remains. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English or French)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Ottawa registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly.
- Brazil Embassy in Ottawa can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Brazil
When the body arrives in Brazil
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia International Airport (BSB), depending on the final destination. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil (Civil Registry Notary) handles death registration. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) must clear all incoming human remains; an ANVISA-compliant health certificate from the origin country is required. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction before final disposition. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ANVISA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Ottawa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Brazil. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Canada
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the provincial civil registration authority. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024.
Step by step
Timeline: Canada to Brazil
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Brazil Embassy in Ottawa 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 Brazil
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Brazil funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Canada to Brazil
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Canada to Brazil takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the provincial civil registration authority promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 Brazil Embassy in Ottawa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Brazil Embassy in Ottawa as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner or medical examiner) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia (BSB) cargo terminal. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil handles death registration. ANVISA must clear all incoming remains; a health certificate from the origin country is required. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or with certified Portuguese translation.
Cremation in Canada is widely available in all provinces. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Canada, 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 · Canada repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions