Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to Brazil
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Portugal to Brazil: what to expect
Portugal and Brazil share a language and deep historical ties; nationals travel frequently between the two countries, and family connections are common. The Brazilian Embassy in Lisbon is fully operational. When a Brazilian national dies in Portugal and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Brazil, the death is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil. Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro receives the remains. Portugal joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970; Brazil joined in 2016. Both are Hague members. ANVISA clearance is required for all incoming remains. The assento de obito is accepted in Portuguese by Brazilian authorities. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Portuguese Ministry of Justice, 2025.)
- Key document: assento de obito (death certificate) (in Portuguese)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Lisbon registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry office) promptly.
- Brazil Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Portugal
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The assento de obito is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry office). The Ministerio Publico (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Portugal is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1970).
Step by step
Timeline: Portugal to Brazil
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Assento de obito (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Brazil Embassy in Lisbon 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 Brazil
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Brazil funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Brazil
When the body arrives in Brazil
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia International Airport (BSB), depending on the final destination. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil (Civil Registry Notary) handles death registration. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) must clear all incoming human remains; an ANVISA-compliant health certificate from the origin country is required. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction before final disposition. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ANVISA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Brazil. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Portugal to Brazil
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Portugal to Brazil takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: assento de obito (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 Brazil Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Brazil Embassy in Lisbon as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia (BSB) cargo terminal. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil handles death registration. ANVISA must clear all incoming remains; a health certificate from the origin country is required. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or with certified Portuguese translation.
Cremation in Portugal is available at approved facilities. 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 Portugal, 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 · Portugal repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions