Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Sweden
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from France to Sweden: what to expect
France and Sweden maintain active bilateral ties as EU member states, and French nationals are present in Sweden in international business and professional roles. Swedish nationals also live in France, particularly in Paris and the south. The Swedish Embassy in Paris is fully operational. When a person with Swedish family connections dies in France, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The acte de deces is issued in French and requires a certified Swedish translation for Skatteverket registration. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Sweden, 2025; Skatteverket, Sweden, 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.
- Sweden 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 Sweden
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
Sweden 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish funeral director takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Sweden is handled by Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency), which maintains the civil registration records. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Swedish, accompanied by a certified Swedish translation for Skatteverket registration. Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Health and Welfare) regulates funeral operations and the handling of human remains. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Skatteverket, Sweden, 2025; Socialstyrelsen, Sweden, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Sweden, 2025.)
Consular support
The Swedish Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact Skatteverket for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden 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 Swedish funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) handles civil registration. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Swedish translation where not already in Swedish. Socialstyrelsen regulates the handling of human remains and funeral operations. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with Skatteverket.
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, 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