Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Morocco to Spain
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Morocco to Spain: what to expect
Moroccan nationals are Spain's largest non-EU immigrant community, with over 900,000 registered residents. This is Spain's highest-volume repatriation corridor from outside the EU, with regular direct cargo services and well-established documentation 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.
- British Embassy in Rabat registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Spain Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation. They cannot fund 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 UK purposes.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +34 91 379 9700.
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
Spain 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
Spain funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director (empresa funeraria) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), or another Spanish airport. The Registro Civil registers the death. For deaths in the Canary or Balearic Islands, an internal mainland transfer is required before any international cargo flight departs. All foreign documents must carry a certified Spanish translation. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
Consular support
Spanish Embassy in Rabat can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +34 91 379 9700 (24 hours). The Spanish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Morocco to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Morocco to Spain 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 Spain Embassy in Rabat can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain Embassy in Rabat as soon as possible after the death.
Notify a UK repatriation specialist and the +34 91 379 9700 (+44 (0)20 7008 5000) on the day of death. Do not instruct a local funeral director independently before engaging a UK specialist.
The Spanish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. The Registro Civil registers the death. Island deaths require a mainland transfer first. Unexpected deaths may require a Juzgado de Instruccion investigation before release. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the Registro Civil 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Morocco, 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 · Morocco repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions