Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from France to New Zealand: what to expect
French nationals in New Zealand include professionals on working holiday visas and a community of long-term residents, with New Caledonia and French Polynesia creating additional France-Pacific connections. The French Embassy in Wellington handles consular matters in New Zealand; the New Zealand Embassy in Paris covers New Zealand interests in France. French documentation (acte de deces) is accepted by New Zealand authorities without further translation in most cases, as both countries belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: acte de deces (death certificate) (in French)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in France
Call 15 (SAMU ambulance), 17 (police), or 112. Death is certified by a physician and the acte de deces is registered at the mairie (town hall). The procureur de la Republique (prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: France to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the mairie (town hall) civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (procureur de la Republique) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand 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 New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to New Zealand takes 3-7 days. The fastest cases complete in 2-5 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the 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 New Zealand Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand 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 New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
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
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in France, 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 New Zealand.
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 France (gov.uk) · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions