Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to Vietnam
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Japan to Vietnam: what to expect
Japan and Vietnam have a strong bilateral relationship, with Japanese investment among the largest in Vietnam across manufacturing, infrastructure, and services. A substantial Japanese business community is established in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Japan maintains an Embassy in Hanoi and Consulates in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. When a Japanese national dies in Vietnam and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Japan, the death is registered with the local People's Committee civil status office. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo can advise on consular legalisation. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970. (Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: shibo todoke (death notification) (in Japanese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Tokyo registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly.
- Vietnam Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The shibo todoke (death notification) is submitted to the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry within 7 days of death under the Family Register Act. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths; the public prosecutor orders an autopsy where required. Japan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; apostille certificates are accepted. The British Embassy in Tokyo can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to Vietnam
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 110 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Vietnam Embassy in Tokyo 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Vietnam
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Vietnam funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Vietnam
When the body arrives in Vietnam
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required for all incoming remains. All foreign documents must be accompanied by certified Vietnamese translation and legalised through the Vietnamese Embassy in the country of origin. Vietnam is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular legalisation is required for all documents. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. (Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Vietnam. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; legalisation of origin country documents must go through the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to Vietnam
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to Vietnam 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 local kuyakusho (ward office) or town hall civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shibo todoke (death notification) 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 Vietnam Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Vietnam Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction; autopsy ordered by public prosecutor) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Vietnamese funeral director takes custody at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. The local People's Committee civil status office handles death registration. A Ministry of Health import permit is required. All foreign documents require certified Vietnamese translation and legalisation through the Vietnamese Embassy in the origin country. Vietnam is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular legalisation is required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the People's Committee civil status office.
Cremation is the near-universal method of disposition in Japan. The kotsuage ceremony of collecting ashes is integral to Japanese Buddhist tradition and is conducted before any international repatriation of cremated remains. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Japan, 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 · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions