Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to Japan
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Portugal to Japan: what to expect
Portuguese nationals in Japan include professionals, students, and a community with cultural and historical connections. Portugal and Japan have maintained bilateral diplomatic relations since the 16th century, one of the longest bilateral ties Japan holds with a European nation. Portuguese death certificates (certidao de obito, in Portuguese) require certified Japanese translation and authentication through the Japanese Embassy in Lisbon. Both Portugal and Japan are Hague Apostille Convention members, which simplifies the authentication process. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: certidao de obito (death certificate, in Portuguese) (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) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Portugal to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +81 3 3580 3311.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certidao de obito (death certificate, in portuguese) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan 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 Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Portugal
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The certidao de obito is registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil. The Ministerio Publico (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Portugal is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Portugal to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Portugal to Japan takes 3-7 days. The fastest cases complete in 2-5 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: certidao de obito (death certificate, in Portuguese) 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 Japan Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan 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 Japanese funeral director takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke must be submitted to the local municipal office within seven days. A burial permit is required. Japan has near-universal cremation; remains are presented as kotsuage after the ceremony. All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Portugal is available and increasingly used. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sogisha) takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days of arrival. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Japan has near-universal cremation; the remains (kotsuage) are presented to the family after cremation. All foreign documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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