Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to Colombia
For families bringing someone home to Colombia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Portugal to Colombia: what to expect
Portugal and Colombia share Iberian heritage and cultural connections, and an active Portuguese-Colombian community maintains bilateral ties. The Colombian Embassy in Lisbon is fully operational. When a Colombian national dies in Portugal and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Colombia, the death is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota is the main receiving airport. Both Portugal and Colombia are Hague Apostille Convention members, which simplifies document authentication. The assento de obito requires certified Spanish translation for Colombian authorities. (Colombian 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.
- Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry office) promptly.
- Colombia 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 Colombia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Colombia 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 Colombia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Colombia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Portugal to Colombia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Portugal to Colombia 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 Colombia Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Colombia 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 Colombian funeral director takes custody at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) near Medellin, or Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO) in Cali. The Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil handles civil registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, Medicina Legal (National Institute of Legal Medicine) takes jurisdiction. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All documents must be in Spanish or with certified Spanish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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.
In Colombia
When the body arrives in Colombia
The Colombian funeral director takes custody at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) near Medellin, or Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) in Cali, depending on the final destination. The Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil handles civil registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (National Institute of Legal Medicine, commonly called Medicina Legal) takes jurisdiction before the body can be released; this adds time. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Colombian Embassy or Consulate in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Colombia. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Portugal, 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 Colombia.
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 Portugal (gov.uk) · Portugal repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions