Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to France
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
The repatriation process from Portugal
Contact emergency services (112). A doctor certifies the death. Death must be registered at the local conservatoria do registo civil. A multilingual death certificate is available under EU convention.
Key facts
Repatriation from Portugal to France: what to expect
Portuguese nationals are among the oldest and largest EU migrant communities in France. This corridor handles cases where a France-based Portuguese has a family member die in Portugal and needs remains brought to France. EU documentation simplifies some requirements.
- Key documents: Certidao de obito (multilingual version available) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Algarve cases benefit from experienced local providers.
- British Embassy in Lisbon registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Post-mortem ordered by Ministerio Publico for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths.
- France Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Portugal to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +33 1 43 17 67 67.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at conservatoria do registo civil. Certidao de obito issued.
Doctor provides initial certificate. Multilingual version available under EU convention.
Local funeral director and conservatoria
France Embassy in Lisbon notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Algarve funeral directors experienced with UK repatriations.
Licensed local funeral director
Transit authorisation and all export permits obtained
Allow 3-7 days for full documentation. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. 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 Lisbon 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Portugal to France
In a straightforward Algarve case, repatriation from Portugal to France takes 5-7 days. Most cases take 7-14 days. Complex cases involving the Ministerio Publico (post-mortem) can take 3-6 weeks.
The core documents are: Certidao de obito (multilingual version if available), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Transit authorisation, and Passport of the deceased.
The France Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Lisbon as soon as possible after the death.
The Ministerio Publico orders a post-mortem for sudden, violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. This adds 1-4 weeks. The body cannot be released until the prosecutor authorises it.
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 Portugal and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the certidao de obito, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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