Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Brazil
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in France
Call 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, or 112 for the EU emergency number. Death is certified by a physician. The acte de deces is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Brazil: what to expect
France and Brazil share close historical and cultural ties, and a significant Brazilian community is established in Paris. The Brazilian Embassy in Paris is fully operational. When a Brazilian national dies in France and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Brazil, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro receives the remains. Both countries are Hague Apostille members; apostille certificates are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements. ANVISA clearance is required for all incoming remains. The acte de deces requires certified Portuguese translation for Brazilian authorities. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: acte de deces (death certificate) (in French)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Paris registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Brazil Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Brazil
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Brazil Embassy in Paris 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 Brazil
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Brazil funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Brazil
When the body arrives in Brazil
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia International Airport (BSB), depending on the final destination. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil (Civil Registry Notary) handles death registration. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) must clear all incoming human remains; an ANVISA-compliant health certificate from the origin country is required. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction before final disposition. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ANVISA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Brazil. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Brazil
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Brazil takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: acte de deces (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 Brazil Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Brazil Embassy in Paris as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia (BSB) cargo terminal. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil handles death registration. ANVISA must clear all incoming remains; a health certificate from the origin country is required. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or with certified Portuguese translation.
Cremation in France 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, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in France, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions