Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Nigeria to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Nigeria to France: what to expect
Nigerian nationals form a growing community in France, with communities in Paris and Lyon. This corridor handles cases where a France-based Nigerian has a family member die in Nigeria and needs remains brought to France. Documentation from Nigeria requires certified French translation.
- Key document: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued, in English)
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. State-level variation applies.
- Police report required for unexpected or unattended deaths.
- France Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Nigeria
Contact the police (199 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the state civil registration office. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own procedures. Documentation is in English throughout. Lagos handles the majority of international cargo flights.
Step by step
Timeline: Nigeria to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of France: +33 1 43 17 67 67).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state civil registration office. Death certificate issued.
Documentation in English. State-level processing times vary.
Local funeral director and state authority
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Quality variable outside Lagos and Abuja.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Abuja can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Nigeria to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Nigeria to France takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving police investigation or death in a remote state can take 6-12 weeks.
The core documents are: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The France Embassy in Abuja can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Abuja as soon as possible after the death.
Yes. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own civil registration office. Lagos and Abuja have more experienced international funeral providers and faster processing. Deaths in more remote states take longer.
The French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Nigeria and bringing the ashes home to France is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Nigeria, 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 France.
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 Nigeria (gov.uk) · Nigeria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions