Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to Brazil
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Ireland to Brazil: what to expect
Ireland and Brazil maintain bilateral diplomatic relations, with Brazilian nationals working in Dublin and other Irish cities in hospitality, technology, and services. The Brazilian Embassy in Dublin is fully operational. When a Brazilian national dies in Ireland and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Brazil, the death is registered with the local registrar's office, which reports to the General Register Office (GRO). Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro receives the remains. Ireland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1967; Brazil joined in 2016. Both countries are Hague members, which simplifies document authentication. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) clearance is required for all incoming remains. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Brazil Embassy in Dublin for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local registrar's office (reporting to the General Register Office / GRO) promptly.
- Brazil Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to Brazil
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Contact the Brazil Embassy in Dublin.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local registrar's office (reporting to the General Register Office / GRO). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Brazil Embassy in Dublin 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 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Brazil
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Brazil funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a registered medical practitioner. The death is registered with the local registrar's office, which reports to the General Register Office (GRO). The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Ireland is a Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1967).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ireland to Brazil
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to Brazil takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local registrar's office (reporting to the General Register Office / GRO) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 Brazil Embassy in Dublin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Brazil Embassy in Dublin as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia (BSB) cargo terminal. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil handles death registration. ANVISA must clear all incoming remains; a health certificate from the origin country is required. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or with certified Portuguese translation.
Cremation in Ireland is available at licensed facilities. A cremation order from the coroner is required where the coroner has taken jurisdiction. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Brazil
When the body arrives in Brazil
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia International Airport (BSB), depending on the final destination. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil (Civil Registry Notary) handles death registration. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) must clear all incoming human remains; an ANVISA-compliant health certificate from the origin country is required. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction before final disposition. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ANVISA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Brazil. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Ireland, 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 · Ireland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions