Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the Czech Republic 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 the Czech Republic to Japan: what to expect
The Czech Republic and Japan maintain bilateral diplomatic relations, with Czech nationals visiting Japan for tourism, technology exchange, and cultural travel. Japan is a growing destination for Czech tourists attracted by Japanese culture and traditions. The Japanese Embassy in Prague is fully operational. When a Czech national dies in Japan and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the Czech Republic, the death must be registered with the local municipal office within seven days under the Family Register Act. Both the Czech Republic and Japan are Hague Apostille Convention members; Japan joined in 1970. A certified Japanese translation of the Czech documents may be required.
- Key document: umrtni list (death certificate) (in Czech)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the matrika (civil registry office) in the relevant municipality promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Prague can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in the Czech Republic
Call 112 for the EU emergency number or 158 for police. Death is certified by a physician. The umrtni list is registered with the local matrika (civil registry office). The police and Prokuratura (state prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. The Czech Republic is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1998).
Step by step
Timeline: the Czech Republic to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 or 158 (police) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Umrtni list (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the matrika (civil registry office) in the relevant municipality. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Prokuratura) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Prague 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 3-5 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 takes custody at the cargo terminal of the receiving airport. Major international cargo gateways include Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Kansai International Airport Osaka (KIX), Chubu Centrair International Airport Nagoya (NGO), and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). Death registration in Japan is handled by the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) where the death occurred or where the deceased was registered. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be filed within seven days of death under the Family Register Act. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths and must complete their investigation before the body is released. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation for the municipal office. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Embassy of Japan in Prague can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) in the receiving area for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the Czech Republic to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the Czech Republic to Japan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the matrika (civil registry office) in the relevant municipality promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Prokuratura) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: umrtni list (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 Prague can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Prague as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police and Prokuratura) 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 Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), Kansai (KIX), Nagoya (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. The local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) handles death registration; the shibo todoke must be filed within seven days under the Family Register Act. Police handle violent or unexplained deaths. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; foreign documents must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Japanese translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Cremation in the Czech Republic is widely available. 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 the Czech Republic, 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 the Czech Republic (gov.uk) · the Czech Republic repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions