Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from China to Sweden
For families bringing someone home to Sweden. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from China to Sweden: what to expect
Chinese nationals form a growing academic and business community in Sweden, particularly in Stockholm and Gothenburg, working in technology and life sciences at major Swedish universities and companies. Chinese documentation requires certified Swedish translation for Swedish authorities. The Swedish 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.
- Sweden Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: China to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +46 8 405 50 05).
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
Sweden 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete. Sweden cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden 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 Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from China to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Beijing can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden 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 Swedish begravningsentreprenor takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation.
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 Sweden, which is simpler and faster.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. Sweden is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 Sweden.
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