Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Malta
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Italy to Malta: what to expect
Italy and Malta share geographic proximity across the Mediterranean; Maltese and Italian cultural ties are close. When an Italian national with Maltese connections dies in Italy and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Malta, the death is registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile. The atto di morte is issued in Italian and requires certified Maltese or English translation for use in Malta. The Embassy of Malta in Rome can advise on documentation authentication for the Public Registry (Identity Malta). Both countries are EU and Hague Apostille Convention members; Malta has been a member since 1968. (Embassy of Malta in Rome, 2025; Identity Malta Public Registry, 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 local Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune promptly.
- Malta Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Malta
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (unified) / 113 (police) / 118 (ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Malta 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 Malta
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Malta 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 Italy
Call 112 for the unified emergency number, 113 for police, or 118 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local Ufficio di Stato Civile of the Comune (municipality). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Malta
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Malta 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 Ufficio di Stato Civile (civil registry) of the Comune 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 Malta Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Malta 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 Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) Luqa cargo terminal. The Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency, registers the death and issues certificates in Maltese and English. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is used throughout the administration process. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Italy is available, though less common than in northern Europe; facilities exist 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.
In Malta
When the body arrives in Malta
The Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) at Luqa cargo terminal. Death registration in Malta is handled by the Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency. Death certificates are issued in Maltese and English, both official languages. Malta has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is widely used in administration. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Identity Malta Public Registry, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Malta, 2025.)
Consular support
The Malta High Commission or Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Malta. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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