Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sweden to Colombia
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Sweden
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The dodsfallsintyg is registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) in the Population Register. The police and medical examiner take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Sweden is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1999).
Key facts
Repatriation from Sweden to Colombia: what to expect
Sweden and Colombia have active bilateral ties through trade and development cooperation, and a Colombian community is established in Stockholm. The Colombian Embassy in Stockholm is fully operational. When a Colombian national dies in Sweden and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Colombia, the death is registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) Population Register. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota is the main receiving airport. Both Sweden and Colombia are Hague Apostille Convention members, which simplifies document authentication. The dodsfallsintyg requires certified Spanish translation for Colombian authorities. (Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Skatteverket, Sweden, 2025.)
- Key document: dodsfallsintyg (death certificate) (in Swedish)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Stockholm registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) Population Register promptly.
- Colombia Embassy in Stockholm can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Sweden to Colombia
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. Dodsfallsintyg (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) Population Register. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and medical examiner) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Colombia Embassy in Stockholm 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 Colombia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Colombia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Colombia
When the body arrives in Colombia
The Colombian funeral director takes custody at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) near Medellin, or Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) in Cali, depending on the final destination. The Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil handles civil registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses (National Institute of Legal Medicine, commonly called Medicina Legal) takes jurisdiction before the body can be released; this adds time. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Colombian Embassy or Consulate in Stockholm can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Colombia. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Sweden to Colombia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sweden to Colombia takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) Population Register promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (police and medical examiner) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: dodsfallsintyg (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 Colombia Embassy in Stockholm can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Colombia Embassy in Stockholm as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (police and medical examiner) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Colombian funeral director takes custody at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) near Medellin, or Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO) in Cali. The Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil handles civil registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, Medicina Legal (National Institute of Legal Medicine) takes jurisdiction. Colombia is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All documents must be in Spanish or with certified Spanish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Sweden 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Sweden, 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 · Sweden repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions