Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Switzerland to Brazil
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Switzerland to Brazil: what to expect
Switzerland and Brazil have close bilateral ties through trade, finance, and the pharmaceutical sector, and a Brazilian community is established in Zurich and Geneva. The Brazilian Embassy in Bern is fully operational. When a Brazilian national dies in Switzerland and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Brazil, the death is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level). Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro receives the remains. Switzerland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1973; Brazil joined in 2016. Both countries are Hague members, which simplifies document authentication. ANVISA clearance is required for all incoming remains. The Todesurkunde requires certified Portuguese translation for Brazilian authorities. (Brazilian 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.
- Death must be registered with the local Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office, cantonal level) promptly.
- Brazil 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 Brazil
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 117 (police) / 144 (ambulance) / 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Brazil 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 Brazil
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Brazil funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Brazil
When the body arrives in Brazil
The Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia International Airport (BSB), depending on the final destination. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil (Civil Registry Notary) handles death registration. ANVISA (the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) must clear all incoming human remains; an ANVISA-compliant health certificate from the origin country is required. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction before final disposition. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted, which reduces authentication requirements compared with non-Hague routes. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. (Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ANVISA, 2025.)
Consular support
The Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in Bern can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Brazil. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Switzerland to Brazil
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Switzerland to Brazil 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 Brazil Embassy in Bern can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Brazil 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 Brazilian funeral director takes custody at Guarulhos (GRU) in Sao Paulo, Galeao (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia (BSB) cargo terminal. The local Cartorio de Registro Civil handles death registration. ANVISA must clear all incoming remains; a health certificate from the origin country is required. Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. For violent or unexplained deaths, the Instituto Medico Legal (IML) takes jurisdiction. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. All documents must be in Portuguese or with certified Portuguese translation.
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 died in Switzerland, 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 Brazil.
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 Switzerland (gov.uk) · Switzerland repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions