Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Malta to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Malta to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Malta to Ireland follows Malta's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from death to arrival.
- Key document: Death certificate from Public Registry (English language)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy in Valletta registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Malta is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
- English is an official language in Malta, so death certificates are issued in English, which simplifies Ireland documentation requirements.
Step by step
Timeline: Malta to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Department of Foreign Affairs 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from Public Registry (English language) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Public Registry. Police and Magistrate's Court may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Irish Embassy Valletta 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 Ireland.
Once all documentation complete. Dublin Airport cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Malta
After a death in Malta, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Public Registry, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 3-5 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and Magistrate's Court takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Ireland as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in Ireland.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Malta to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Malta to Ireland takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Malta is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
The core documents are: Death certificate from Public Registry (English language), Magistrate's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Irish Embassy in Valletta can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors in Malta, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Maltese death certificates are in English, which simplifies the process. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation in Malta is available. Bringing ashes home to Ireland is an option alongside full body repatriation.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Valletta can register the death and advise on local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Malta, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Ireland.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Malta (gov.uk) · Malta repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions