Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to China
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Call 112 for the EU emergency number, 118 for ambulance, or 113 for police. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local comune (civil registry office). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1978).
Key facts
Repatriation from Italy to China: what to expect
Italy and China share significant bilateral ties, including a large Chinese community in Italian cities such as Prato, Milan, and Rome, and Italian nationals working in China in fashion, luxury goods, and manufacturing. Italy maintains an Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. When an Italian national dies in China and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Italy, the death must be registered and quarantine clearance obtained through the General Administration of Customs. China is not a Hague Apostille member; the Chinese Embassy in Rome can advise on document legalisation. (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: atto di morte (death certificate) (in Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Rome registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly.
- China Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to China
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (EU emergency) or 118 (ambulance) or 113 (police) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
China Embassy in Rome 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 China
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
China funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In China
When the body arrives in China
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) cargo terminal, depending on the destination city. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection of all incoming remains. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards and civil registration. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation. China is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required for all documents. An embalming certificate, health certificate, and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Rome can advise on documentation requirements and legalisation for repatriation to China. China is not a Hague Apostille member; all documents must be legalised through the Chinese Embassy in Rome. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to China
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to China takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: atto di morte (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 China Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the China Embassy in Rome as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) cargo terminal. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation and full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy in the origin country. China is not a Hague Apostille member. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and all documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition.
Cremation in Italy is available at approved facilities in major 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 Italy, 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 · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions