Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to the Philippines
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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 the Philippines: what to expect
France has a Filipino community, with nationals working in Paris and other French cities in healthcare, hospitality, and domestic services. The Philippine Embassy in Paris is fully operational. When a Filipino national dies in France and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the Philippines, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) requires a Report of Death (ROD) issued by the Philippine Embassy in Paris. The acte de deces must be included in all repatriation documentation. The Philippines is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; French documents require full consular authentication through the Philippine Embassy in Paris. (Philippine Department 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.
- the Philippines Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to the Philippines
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
the Philippines 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 the Philippines
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Philippines funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the Philippines
When the body arrives in the Philippines
The Philippine funeral director takes custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), or Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Davao, depending on the final destination. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) handles civil registration of deaths abroad through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the relevant Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The Embassy or Consulate in the origin country must issue a Report of Death (ROD) before repatriation can proceed; the ROD is a required document. The Philippines is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; all foreign documents require full consular authentication through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. Burial or cremation permit from the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) is required before final disposition. (Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs/PSA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements and must issue a Report of Death (ROD) before repatriation can proceed. The Philippines is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; all documents require full consular authentication. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to the Philippines
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to the Philippines takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 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 the Philippines Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Philippines 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 Philippine funeral director takes custody at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Mactan-Cebu (CEB), or Francisco Bangoy (DVO) cargo terminal. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) handles civil registration. A Report of Death (ROD) issued by the Philippine Embassy in the origin country must accompany the remains. The Philippines is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication is required for all foreign documents. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. A burial or cremation permit from the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) is required before final disposition.
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