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.
- 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 use in Spain.
Step by step
Timeline: Morocco to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Spain: +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. The 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.
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 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.
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 Spain.
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