Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Nigeria
For families bringing someone home to Nigeria. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Nigeria: what to expect
French nationals in Nigeria include business professionals in the oil and energy sectors, development workers, and a small expat community. France and Nigeria maintain bilateral diplomatic relations, with France among Nigeria's European trading partners. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified English translation and authentication by the Nigerian Embassy in Paris. Nigeria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required. (Nigerian 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.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Nigeria 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 Nigeria
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Nigeria 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 Nigeria
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Nigeria funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Nigeria
When the body arrives in Nigeria
The Nigerian funeral director takes custody at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (ABV) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. The National Population Commission (NPC) handles civil registration of deaths. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified English translation where applicable; English is Nigeria's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. Nigeria is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Nigeria. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Nigeria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Nigeria takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 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 Nigeria Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Nigeria 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 Nigerian funeral director takes custody at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos (LOS) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (ABV) cargo terminal. The National Population Commission (NPC) handles civil registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. Nigeria is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Nigerian High Commission or Embassy in the origin country is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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. 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 Nigeria.
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