Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Portugal to Mozambique
For families bringing someone home to Mozambique. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Portugal to Mozambique: what to expect
Portugal and Mozambique share language and deep historical ties through the colonial era, which ended with Mozambican independence in 1975. A significant Mozambican community lives and works in Portugal, and families frequently need to repatriate remains between the two countries. When a Mozambican national dies in Portugal, the death is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry). The certidao de obito is issued in Portuguese, which is the official language of both countries, and requires no translation for Mozambican authorities. The Mozambican Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required.
- Key document: certidao 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) promptly.
- Mozambique Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Portugal to Mozambique
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. Certidao de obito (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Mozambique 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 Mozambique
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Mozambique 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 (death certificate) is registered with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry). 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 Mozambique
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Portugal to Mozambique takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 10-16 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Conservatoria do Registo Civil (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: certidao 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 Mozambique Embassy in Lisbon can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Mozambique Embassy in Lisbon as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Ministerio Publico, public prosecutor takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Mozambican funeral director takes custody at Maputo International Airport (MPM) or Beira Airport (BEW) cargo terminal. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the Ministry of Justice registers the death and issues the certidao de obito in Portuguese. All foreign documents require certified Portuguese translation before submission to Mozambican authorities. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Families should appoint a specialist with experience of Mozambican procedures early, as administrative capacity varies significantly outside the capital.
Cremation in Portugal is available in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Mozambique
When the body arrives in Mozambique
The Mozambican funeral director takes custody at Maputo International Airport (MPM) or Beira Airport (BEW) cargo terminal. Death registration in Mozambique is handled by the Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The certidao de obito (death certificate) is issued in Portuguese; all foreign documents require certified Portuguese translation. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required. Mozambique is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport; embalming standards and available facilities vary significantly outside Maputo.
Consular support
The Mozambican High Commission or Embassy in Lisbon can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Mozambique. Mozambique is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required for all foreign documents. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Conservatoria do Registo Civil in Mozambique for civil registration queries.
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 Mozambique.
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