Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Spain to Japan
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Spain to Japan: what to expect
Spanish nationals in Japan include professionals, students, and a community of long-term residents with Japan connections. Spain and Japan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1868, one of the longest bilateral ties Japan holds in Europe. Spanish death certificates (Certificado de Defuncion) are in Spanish and require certified Japanese translation. Both Spain and Japan are Hague Apostille Convention members, which simplifies authentication. The Japanese Embassy in Madrid handles consular matters. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Certificado de Defuncion (death certificate) (in Spanish)
- Documentation takes 5-15 working days (Juzgado cases take longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Madrid registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Madrid can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Spain 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. Certificado de defuncion (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry). Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Instruccion) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Madrid 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 5-15 working days (Juzgado cases take longer). 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 Spain
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and the Certificado de Defuncion is registered with the local Registro Civil. For violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths, the Juzgado de Instruccion (examining magistrate) takes jurisdiction, which adds time before the body can be released. Spain is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Spain to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Spain to Japan takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry) promptly. Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Instruccion) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Certificado de Defuncion (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 Japan Embassy in Madrid can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Madrid as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Instruccion) 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 Spain is widely available. 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 Madrid 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 Spain, 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 · Spain repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions