Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Switzerland to Argentina
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Switzerland to Argentina: what to expect
Switzerland and Argentina have close bilateral ties through trade, finance, and a Swiss-Argentine community with historical roots in Buenos Aires and Cordoba. The Argentine Embassy in Bern is fully operational. When an Argentine national dies in Switzerland and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Argentina, the death is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires is the main receiving airport. Both Switzerland and Argentina are Hague Apostille Convention members (Switzerland joined 1972, Argentina joined 1987), which simplifies document authentication. The Todesurkunde requires certified Spanish translation for Argentine authorities. The Cuerpo Medico Forense takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. (Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Todesurkunde (death certificate) (in German, French, or Italian (depending on canton))
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Bern registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level) promptly.
- Argentina Embassy in Bern can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Switzerland
Call 117 for police, 144 for ambulance, or 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The Todesurkunde is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). The cantonal police or investigating magistrate take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1972).
Step by step
Timeline: Switzerland to Argentina
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 117 (police) / 144 (ambulance) / 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Todesurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Argentina Embassy in Bern 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 Argentina
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Argentina funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Argentina
When the body arrives in Argentina
The Argentine funeral director takes custody at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. The local Registro Civil Provincial handles death registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Cuerpo Medico Forense (Forensic Medical Corps) takes jurisdiction before the body can be released for final disposition; this adds time. Argentina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1987; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. 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. (Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Argentine Embassy or Consulate in Bern can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Argentina. Argentina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1987; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Switzerland to Argentina
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Switzerland to Argentina 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 local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Todesurkunde (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 Argentina Embassy in Bern can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Argentina Embassy in Bern as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (cantonal police or investigating magistrate) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Argentine funeral director takes custody at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. The local Registro Civil Provincial handles death registration. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Cuerpo Medico Forense (Forensic Medical Corps) takes jurisdiction. Argentina joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1987; 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 Switzerland is widely available at authorised facilities across all major cantons. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in Switzerland, 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 · Switzerland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions