Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to Indonesia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Portugal to Indonesia: what to expect
Portugal and Indonesia share historical ties through the Portuguese colonial presence in Timor-Leste (now independent) and older connections across the Indonesian archipelago. Portuguese nationals visit Indonesia for tourism and as part of Asia-Pacific travel. The Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon is operational. When a person with Indonesian family connections dies in Portugal and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Indonesia, the death is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil. Indonesia is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; Portuguese documents must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon and then by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (FCDO Travel Advice: Indonesia, 2025; Disdukcapil / Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, Indonesia, 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.
- Indonesia 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 Indonesia
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
Indonesia 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 Indonesia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Indonesia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Indonesia
When the body arrives in Indonesia
The Indonesian funeral director takes custody at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Jakarta (CGK), Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali (DPS), or Juanda International Airport Surabaya (SUB) cargo terminal, depending on the final destination. Death registration in Indonesia is handled by the Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil (Disdukcapil, the civil registration service) in the relevant regency or city. The death certificate (akta kematian) is issued in Indonesian. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Indonesia is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. All foreign documents for use in Indonesia must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin and then by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri) in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required for all non-Indonesian documentation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Disdukcapil / Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, Indonesia, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Indonesia, 2025.)
Consular support
The Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Indonesia. Indonesia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; foreign documents must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon and then by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri) in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local Disdukcapil for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Portugal to Indonesia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Portugal to Indonesia takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 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 Indonesia Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Indonesia 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 Indonesian funeral director takes custody at Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. The Disdukcapil (civil registration service) handles civil registration. Indonesia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; all foreign documents must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy in the origin country and then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required for all non-Indonesian documentation. Police handle violent or unexplained deaths. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports.
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
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