Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from China to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from China to New Zealand: what to expect
Chinese nationals form one of New Zealand's largest immigrant communities, with significant populations in Auckland and Wellington working in business, education, and professional sectors. China to New Zealand is an established repatriation corridor. Chinese documentation requires certified English translation for New Zealand Customs. The New Zealand Embassy in Beijing handles consular matters.
- 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.
- New Zealand Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: China to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
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
New Zealand 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 New Zealand
Once all documentation complete. New Zealand cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from China to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from China to New Zealand 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 New Zealand Embassy in Beijing can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand 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 New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. 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 the ashes home to New Zealand, which is simpler and faster.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Beijing can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
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 New Zealand.
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