Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to France: what to expect
Congolese nationals from the DRC form a significant community in France, reflecting the French language connection between the two countries. This corridor handles cases where a France-based Congolese national has a family member die in the DRC and needs remains brought to France. Documentation is in French on both sides.
- 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 France Embassy in Kinshasa can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All French-language documentation requires certified English translation for France acceptance.
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Kinshasa can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 France by air cargo. From death to arrival in France, most cases take 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Democratic Republic of the Congo to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of France: +33 1 43 17 67 67).
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
France 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 France
Once all documentation complete. France cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France 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 Democratic Republic of the Congo to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Democratic Republic of the Congo to France 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 France Embassy in Kinshasa can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France 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 French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not widely available in the DRC. Full body repatriation is the standard approach.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 France.
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