Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Romania to France
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Repatriation from Romania to France: what to expect
Romanian nationals form one of the largest European communities in France, with hundreds of thousands of Romanians living and working in France following Romania's EU accession in 2007. France is one of the primary destinations for Romanian economic migration within the EU. Both countries share French as part of the Francophone world. Romanian documentation requires certified French translation for French prefecture and civil registry purposes. The French Embassy in Bucharest handles consular matters.
- Key document: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office) within 3 days.
- France Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Romania
After a death in Romania, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office), and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 3-7 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Prosecutor's Office takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to France as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in France.
Step by step
Timeline: Romania 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. Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
France Embassy in Bucharest 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 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to France
Once all documentation complete. France cargo terminal
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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Romania to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Romania to France takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The France Embassy in Bucharest can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Bucharest as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise 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.
Cremation in Romania is available. Bringing the ashes home to France is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Certificat de deces, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
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 Bucharest 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
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Romania, 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 Romania (gov.uk) · Romania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions