Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
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.
- Post-mortem ordered by Ministerio Publico for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths.
- France Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: Portugal to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of France: +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
As soon as possible.
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. The 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 the ashes home to France is an option. You will need the certidao de obito, cremation certificate, and export permit.
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 France.
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