Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ireland to New Zealand
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Ireland
Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered with the local civil registration service. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a burial or cremation order before the body can be released. Ireland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. In complex cases, the coroner's investigation can take several weeks before the body is released.
Key facts
Repatriation from Ireland to New Zealand: what to expect
New Zealand has a significant Irish diaspora community reflecting migration across generations, and the Ireland-New Zealand migration corridor remains active under the reciprocal Working Holiday arrangement. Irish nationals are established across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and regional New Zealand. The New Zealand Embassy in Dublin is fully operational. When someone from Ireland dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to New Zealand, the death must be registered with the local civil registration service. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; New Zealand joined in 2001. New Zealand Customs clearance is required on arrival. (FCDO Travel Advice: New Zealand, 2025; New Zealand BDM, Department of Internal Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in Dublin for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Dublin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ireland to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Contact the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in Dublin.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local civil registration service (General Register Office). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand High Commission or 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 New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International Airport (AKL), Wellington Airport (WLG), or Christchurch Airport (CHC) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in New Zealand is handled by the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) office within the Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua). The death must be registered under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006 for sudden or unexplained deaths. All foreign documentation must be authenticated for import. New Zealand Customs clearance is required for all imported human remains. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (New Zealand BDM / Department of Internal Affairs, 2025; New Zealand Customs Service, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: New Zealand, 2025.)
Consular support
The New Zealand High Commission or Embassy responsible for Dublin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact New Zealand BDM (Department of Internal Affairs) for civil registration queries. New Zealand MFAT emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ireland to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ireland to New Zealand 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 civil registration service (General Register Office) 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 New Zealand Embassy in Dublin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand 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 New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. The BDM office within the Department of Internal Affairs registers the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may be notified for sudden or unexplained deaths. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local BDM office and Customs.
Cremation in Ireland is available at a number of approved locations, including facilities in Dublin and other cities. 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 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