Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from China to India
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Repatriation from China to India: what to expect
Chinese nationals work and study in India, and there is a resident Chinese business community in some Indian cities. This corridor handles cases where an India-based person has a family member die in China and needs remains brought to India. Documentation requires certified translation from Mandarin.
- 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.
- 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.
- India Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation. They cannot fund 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 India
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of India: +91 11 2301 2113).
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
India 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 India
Once all documentation complete. India cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
India 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 China to India
In a straightforward case, repatriation from China to India 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 India Embassy in Beijing can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the India 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 Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance requires the foreign death certificate, embalming certificate, and transit permit. The remains must be in a zinc-lined sealed coffin. State regulations govern the release for burial or cremation at the destination.
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 the ashes home to India, which is simpler and faster.
In India
When the body arrives in India
The Indian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Custom House clearance is required. The remains must be embalmed and sealed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport. State government regulations apply and may require a state-level permit. Major international entry points are Indira Gandhi International (DEL, Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM, Mumbai), Chennai International (MAA), and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU, Kolkata). (Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Indian Embassy or High Commission in Beijing can assist with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Indian Ministry of External Affairs helpline: +91 11 2301 2113 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in China, 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 India.
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 China (gov.uk) · China repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions