Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ghana to Portugal
For families bringing someone home to Portugal. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Ghana to Portugal: what to expect
Ghanaian nationals form one of the larger African communities in Portugal, with a well-established diaspora concentrated in Lisbon and Porto. Ghana and Portugal have historical and linguistic connections through Portugal's presence on the West African coast and longstanding trade ties. Many Ghanaian nationals have settled in Portugal for work and family reasons. English documentation from Ghana requires certified Portuguese translation for Conservatoria do Registo Civil purposes. The Portuguese Embassy in Accra handles consular matters. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 2025.)
- Key document: Ghanaian death certificate (Births and Deaths Registry, in English)
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
- Portugal Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Portugal
When the body arrives in Portugal
The Portuguese agencia funeraria (funeral director) takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. An Autoridade de Saude (health authority) clearance is required before burial or cremation can proceed. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Portugal is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents from non-EU countries require certified Portuguese translation. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 2025.)
Consular support
Portuguese Embassy in Accra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Portugal. Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) emergency assistance: +351 21 394 67 00 (24 hours). The Portuguese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Portugal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Portugal: +351 21 394 67 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
Portugal funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ghana to Portugal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ghana to Portugal 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 Portugal Embassy in Accra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Portugal 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 Portuguese funeral director takes custody at Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO) cargo terminal. The Autoridade de Saude issues clearance before burial or cremation. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Documents not in Portuguese require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Ghana and bringing the ashes home to Portugal is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Portugal.
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