Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Mozambique
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Quick answer
Repatriation from France to Mozambique: what to expect
France has a development and diplomatic relationship with Mozambique, and a community of French nationals works in the development, energy, and extractive sectors in Mozambique. When a Mozambican national dies in France and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Mozambique, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The acte de deces is issued in French and requires certified Portuguese translation for submission to the Conservatoria do Registo Civil. The Mozambican Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation requirements. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (FCDO Travel Advice: Mozambique, 2025; Conservatoria do Registo Civil, Mozambique, 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.
- Mozambique Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Mozambique
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
Mozambique 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 Mozambique
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Mozambique funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Mozambique
When the body arrives in Mozambique
The Mozambican funeral director takes custody at Maputo International Airport (MPM) or Beira Airport (BEW) cargo terminal. Death registration in Mozambique is handled by the Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The certidao de obito (death certificate) is issued in Portuguese; all foreign documents require certified Portuguese translation. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required. Mozambique is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports; embalming standards and available facilities vary significantly outside Maputo. (Conservatoria do Registo Civil, Mozambique, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Mozambique, 2025.)
Consular support
The Mozambican High Commission or Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Mozambique. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required for all foreign documents. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Conservatoria do Registo Civil in Mozambique for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Mozambique
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Mozambique takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 10-16 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 Mozambique Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Mozambique 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 Mozambican funeral director takes custody at Maputo International Airport (MPM) or Beira Airport (BEW) cargo terminal. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the Ministry of Justice registers the death and issues the certidao de obito in Portuguese. All foreign documents require certified Portuguese translation before submission to Mozambican authorities. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Families should appoint a specialist with experience of Mozambican procedures early, as administrative capacity varies significantly outside the capital.
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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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