Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Denmark
For families bringing someone home to Denmark. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Ghana to Denmark: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals form part of Denmark's West African diaspora, with professionals and students in Copenhagen across multiple sectors. Ghana and Denmark have bilateral diplomatic ties and development cooperation links through DANIDA. English documentation from Ghana may still require certified Danish translation for Danish civil registry purposes. The Danish Embassy in Accra handles consular matters. Ghana to Denmark is a growing corridor for skilled professional and student migration.
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- Denmark Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Ghana
Call the police (191 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana. Documentation is in English throughout. Kotoka International Airport in Accra is the main cargo departure point.
Step by step
Timeline: Ghana to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Denmark: +45 33 92 00 00).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana.
Documentation in English. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and Births and Deaths Registry
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish begravelsesforretning (funeral director) takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev (body transit certificate) must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Denmark is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Danish, English, or another major European language require certified Danish translation. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Danish Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +45 33 92 00 00 (24 hours). The Danish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Denmark takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving police investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The Denmark Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Accra as soon as possible after the death.
The Births and Deaths Registry of Ghana is the official government body responsible for registering all deaths in Ghana. All deaths must be registered with the Registry before any funeral or repatriation process can begin. The Registry issues the official death certificate.
The Danish begravelsesforretning takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Documents not in Danish or English require certified Danish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing the ashes home to Denmark is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Ghana, 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 Denmark.
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 Ghana (gov.uk) · Ghana repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions