Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Belgium
For families bringing someone home to Belgium. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Belgium: what to expect
Congolese nationals form a significant community in Belgium, reflecting the historical colonial relationship between the two countries. Belgium has an established Congolese community of over 200,000, concentrated in Brussels. French documentation from the DRC simplifies some translation requirements.
- Key document: Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The Belgium Embassy in Kinshasa can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for Belgium acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Democratic Republic of the Congo
When someone dies in Democratic Republic of the Congo, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 112 and registered with the Bureau d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Obtaining the local death certificate typically takes 14-28 days, and it is this document that lets the rest of the process begin. If the death is treated as violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and Prosecutor takes jurisdiction, and a post-mortem may be needed before release. After the documentation is in order, the body is embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport, then sent to Belgium by air cargo. From death to arrival in Belgium, most cases take 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Democratic Republic of the Congo to Belgium
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Belgium: +32 2 501 8111).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate in French, requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Bureau d'etat civil (Civil Registry). Police and Prosecutor may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Belgium Embassy in Kinshasa 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 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Belgium
Once all documentation complete. Belgium cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Belgium funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Belgium
When the body arrives in Belgium
The Belgian funeral director (entrepreneur des pompes funebres or begrafenisondernemer) takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) or Liege Airport (LGG) cargo terminal. The local commune or gemeente registers the death with the Registre de la Population. A transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified French or Dutch translation. (Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, FPS Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Belgium. Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs emergency line: +32 2 501 8111 (24 hours). The Belgian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Belgium
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Belgium takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
The core documents are: Acte de deces (certified English translation required), Police clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Belgium Embassy in Kinshasa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Belgium Embassy in Kinshasa as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. A transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. The local commune or gemeente registers the death. All foreign documents require certified French or Dutch translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the commune and local health authorities.
Cremation is not widely available in the DRC. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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 Belgium.
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 Democratic Republic of the Congo (gov.uk) · Democratic Republic of the Congo repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions