Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Norway to New Zealand
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Norway to New Zealand: what to expect
Norway and New Zealand maintain bilateral ties, and a small Norwegian-heritage community is present in New Zealand reflecting historical migration. Norwegian nationals occasionally relocate to New Zealand, and family connections exist in both directions. The New Zealand High Commission in London also covers Norway for consular matters. The British Embassy in Oslo can assist British nationals in Norway. When a person with New Zealand family connections dies in Norway, the death is registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system). The dodsattest requires a certified English translation for New Zealand authorities. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. New Zealand Customs clearance is required on arrival. (FCDO Travel Advice: New Zealand, 2025; New Zealand BDM, Department of Internal Affairs, 2025; Folkeregisteret, Skatteetaten, Norway, 2025.)
- Key document: dodsattest (death certificate) (in Norwegian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Oslo registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Oslo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Norway
Call 112 for emergency services (or 02800 for police, 113 for ambulance). Death is certified by a physician. The dodsattest is registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system, administered by the Norwegian Tax Administration / Skatteetaten). The police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Note that deaths occurring in Svalbard require transfer to mainland Norway before any international cargo flight can depart. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Norway to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (police 02800 / ambulance 113) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Dodsattest (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten). Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand Embassy in Oslo notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International Airport (AKL), Wellington Airport (WLG), or Christchurch Airport (CHC) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in New Zealand is handled by the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) office within the Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua). The death must be registered under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006 for sudden or unexplained deaths. All foreign documentation must be authenticated for import. New Zealand Customs clearance is required for all imported human remains. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (New Zealand BDM / Department of Internal Affairs, 2025; New Zealand Customs Service, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: New Zealand, 2025.)
Consular support
The New Zealand High Commission or Embassy responsible for Oslo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact New Zealand BDM (Department of Internal Affairs) for civil registration queries. New Zealand MFAT emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Norway to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Norway to New Zealand takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system / Skatteetaten) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: dodsattest (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The New Zealand Embassy in Oslo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Oslo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police take jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. The BDM office within the Department of Internal Affairs registers the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may be notified for sudden or unexplained deaths. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. New Zealand joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local BDM office and Customs.
Cremation in Norway is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Norway, 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 · Norway repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions