Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Ireland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Contact emergency services (112). A doctor certifies the death. Death must be registered at the local comune. The doctor provides the initial certificate and the comune issues the atti di morte.
Key facts
Repatriation from Italy to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Italy follows Italy's comune (municipality) registration system. Most cases complete in 10-21 days. The procuratore della Repubblica orders a post-mortem for sudden or unexplained deaths.
- Key document: Certificato di morte (death certificate) from the comune
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Variation between northern and southern Italy comuni.
- Irish Embassy in Rome registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Post-mortem ordered by procuratore if death is sudden, violent, or cause unknown.
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Rome: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local comune. Certificato di morte and atti di morte issued.
Doctor provides initial certificate. Comune registers and issues the atti di morte.
Local funeral director and comune
Irish Embassy Rome notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming (imbalsamazione or tanatoprassi)
Italian funeral industry is professional.
Licensed local funeral director
Nulla osta and all export permits obtained
Allow 5-14 days for full documentation. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), or Venice (VCE) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete and nulla osta issued.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Italian documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Rome can register the death and advise.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Ireland takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-10 days. Complex cases involving the procuratore della Repubblica can take 4-8 weeks.
The nulla osta is the clearance document from the comune or, when the procuratore is involved, from the prosecutor's office. It authorises release of the body for international repatriation and cannot be bypassed.
The core documents are: certificato di morte, nulla osta (clearance), embalming certificate (certificato di imbalsamazione), freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Irish Embassy in Rome can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Italian documentation must be in certified English. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in Italy and bringing ashes home to Ireland is an option. You will need the certificato di morte, cremation certificate, and nulla osta.
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