Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Norway to Madagascar
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Repatriation from Norway to Madagascar: what to expect
Repatriation from Norway to Madagascar follows Norway's civil registration and export procedures. Most cases take 2-3 weeks.
- Key document: dodsattest (death certificate from Folkeregisteret via Skatteetaten)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Norway is a Hague Apostille member (1980). This simplifies document authentication.
- Documentation is issued in Norwegian. Certified translation is required where needed.
In Madagascar
When the body arrives in Madagascar
The funeral director in Madagascar takes custody at the cargo terminal at Ivato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo. Death is registered with the local commune's civil status officer, within 30 days, under Madagascar's 2018 civil registration law. Madagascar is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents require consular legalisation. The death certificate, the acte de deces, is issued in French.
The process
What happens after a death in Norway
Call 112 (police) or 113 (ambulance) for emergency services. Death is registered with Folkeregisteret (Norwegian Population Register) via Skatteetaten. The official death certificate is the dodsattest. The Norwegian Police Service investigates violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1980.
Step by step
Timeline: Norway to Madagascar
Immediate steps after death. Report to local emergency services and contact a specialist at once.
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsattest (death certificate from folkeregisteret via skatteetaten) obtained from Folkeregisteret (Norwegian Population Register), administered by Skatteetaten (Tax Administration).
Registration must occur promptly. The Norwegian Police Service investigates violent or suspicious deaths. Body release requires police clearance before repatriation can proceed.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Embassy or consulate notified. Madagascar is not a Hague Apostille member; documents need consular legalisation.
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation for international air transport.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits and authenticated documents obtained. The dodsattest is issued in Norwegian. Certified translation is required for non-Norwegian-speaking destinations.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Bergen (BGO), or Stavanger (SVG) to Ivato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo.
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Funeral director in Madagascar takes custody at the cargo terminal at Ivato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo. Local commune's civil status officer notified; death certificate (acte de deces) issued in French, within 30 days.
Within 24-48 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Norway to Madagascar
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Norway to Madagascar takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 3-6 weeks.
The core documents are: dodsattest (death certificate from Folkeregisteret via Skatteetaten), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. The dodsattest is issued in Norwegian. Certified translation is required for non-Norwegian-speaking destinations.
The funeral director in Madagascar takes custody at the cargo terminal at Ivato International Airport (TNR), Antananarivo. Death is registered with the local commune's civil status officer, within 30 days, under Madagascar's 2018 civil registration law. Madagascar is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; documents require consular legalisation. The death certificate, the acte de deces, is issued in French. All documentation from Norway must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.
Yes. Cremation in Norway is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.
Madagascar has not joined the Hague Apostille Convention.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Norway, 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 Madagascar.
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 Norway (gov.uk) · Norway repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions