Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Chile to Japan
For families bringing someone home to Japan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Chile to Japan: what to expect
Chilean nationals in Japan include professionals, students, and a Nikkei (Japanese-Chilean) community with long-established bilateral ties. Chile and Japan have strong trade connections through Japan's imports of Chilean copper and agricultural products, and bilateral diplomatic relations since 1897. Spanish-language Chilean death certificates (certificado de defuncion) require certified Japanese translation and authentication through the Japanese Embassy in Santiago. Both Chile and Japan are Hague Apostille Convention members. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: certificado de defuncion (death certificate) (in Spanish)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Santiago can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Chile
Call 133 for police or 131 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The certificado de defuncion is registered with the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI). The Ministerio Publico takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Chile is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Chile 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 registered. Certificado de defuncion (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI). Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Santiago 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 Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. 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 (sogisha) takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days of arrival. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Japan has near-universal cremation; the remains (kotsuage) are presented to the family after cremation. All foreign documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Santiago can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Chile to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Chile to Japan takes 14-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: certificado de defuncion (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 Japan Embassy in Santiago can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Santiago as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke must be submitted to the local municipal office within seven days. A burial permit is required. Japan has near-universal cremation; remains are presented as kotsuage after the ceremony. All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Chile is available and increasingly used. 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. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Chile, 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 Chile (gov.uk) · Chile repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions