Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to Belgium
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Repatriation from Morocco to Belgium: what to expect
Moroccan nationals are Belgium's largest non-EU immigrant community, with over 500,000 residents concentrated in Brussels, Liege, and Antwerp. This is Belgium's highest-volume repatriation corridor from outside the EU, with well-established procedures on both sides.
- Key documents: Acte de Deces (in Arabic and French) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Belgium Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Belgium
When the body arrives in Belgium
The Belgian funeral director (entrepreneur des pompes funebres or begrafenisondernemer) takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) or Liege Airport (LGG) cargo terminal. The local commune or gemeente registers the death with the Registre de la Population. A transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified French or Dutch translation. (Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, FPS Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Belgian Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Belgium. Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs emergency line: +32 2 501 8111 (24 hours). The Belgian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
How repatriation from Morocco works
Contact police (190) or ambulance (150). Hospital or doctor certifies the death. Contact the The Acte de Deces is issued by the local civil registry (Bureau d'Etat Civil) in Arabic and French. A certified English translation is required for use in Belgium.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Belgium
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Belgium: +32 2 501 8111).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at Bureau d'Etat Civil. Acte de Deces issued.
Funeral director handles registration. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Belgium Embassy in Rabat notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming
Quality variable outside Casablanca and Rabat.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 3-7 days. Cannot begin until Acte de Deces issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Casablanca (CMN) or Marrakech (RAK)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Belgium funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to Belgium
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to Belgium takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks.
The core documents are: Acte de Deces (in Arabic and French), certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Consular certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Belgium Embassy in Rabat can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Belgium Embassy in Rabat as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. A transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. The local commune or gemeente registers the death. All foreign documents require certified French or Dutch translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the commune and local health authorities.
Yes, if the deceased was non-Muslim. Cremation in Morocco is available for non-Muslims. You will need the Acte de Deces, cremation certificate, and export permit.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Morocco, 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 Belgium.
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 Morocco (gov.uk) · Morocco repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions