Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from China to Denmark
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Repatriation from China to Denmark: what to expect
Chinese nationals form part of Denmark's East Asian community, with professionals, students, and business owners in Copenhagen. Denmark and China have bilateral trade ties, and Danish companies including Maersk and Novo Nordisk have significant China operations, creating professional exchange between the two countries. Chinese documentation in Mandarin requires certified Danish translation for Danish civil registry purposes. The Danish Embassy in Beijing handles consular matters. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, issued by Public Security Bureau)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Beijing registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- China generally requires cremation before international repatriation. Full body repatriation requires special Ministry of Civil Affairs permits.
- All documentation is issued in Mandarin and requires certified English translation.
- Denmark Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish begravelsesforretning (funeral director) takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev (body transit certificate) must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Denmark is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Danish, English, or another major European language require certified Danish translation. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Danish Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +45 33 92 00 00 (24 hours). The Danish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in China
Contact emergency services (110 (police), 120 (ambulance)). Death must be registered with the Public Security Bureau (PSB). The Public Security Bureau takes jurisdiction when the death is: unexpected, violent, or suspicious deaths require public security bureau investigation.
Step by step
Timeline: China to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +45 33 92 00 00.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, issued by Public Security Bureau) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Public Security Bureau may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Denmark Embassy in Beijing 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Denmark
Once all documentation complete. Denmark cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from China to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from China to Denmark takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-12 weeks or longer.
China generally requires cremation before international repatriation. Full body repatriation requires special Ministry of Civil Affairs permits.
The core documents are: Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, certified English translation required), Public Security Bureau clearance, Ministry of Civil Affairs export permit (for full body repatriation), Cremation certificate (if cremation carried out in China), Embalming certificate (if full body repatriation). Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Denmark Embassy in Beijing can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Beijing as soon as possible after the death.
Unexpected, violent, or suspicious deaths require Public Security Bureau investigation A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Danish begravelsesforretning takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Documents not in Danish or English require certified Danish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
China generally requires cremation before repatriation of remains. Full body repatriation is possible but requires special permits from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and is uncommon. Most families proceed with cremation in China and bring ashes home to the UK, which is simpler and faster.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in China, 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 · China repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions