Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Switzerland to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Switzerland to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Switzerland to Ireland follows Switzerland's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from death to arrival.
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate from Zivilstandsamt)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy in Bernee registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Switzerland is not in the EU but is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered at the local Zivilstandsamt (Civil Registry) promptly.
The process
What happens after a death in Switzerland
After a death in Switzerland, the family should contact the local emergency services on 112 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Zivilstandsamt (Civil Registry Office), and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 3-7 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Staatsanwaltschaft (Public Prosecutor) 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 Ireland as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in Ireland.
Step by step
Timeline: Switzerland to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Department of Foreign Affairs 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Sterbeurkunde (death certificate from Zivilstandsamt) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Zivilstandsamt (Civil Registry Office). Staatsanwaltschaft (Public Prosecutor) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Irish Embassy Berne 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 Ireland.
Once all documentation complete. Dublin Airport cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Berne can register the death and advise on local funeral directors. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Switzerland to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Switzerland to Ireland takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Switzerland is not in the EU but is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate from Zivilstandsamt), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Irish Embassy in Berne can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors in Switzerland, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Swiss documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation in Switzerland is available. Bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Sterbeurkunde, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
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 Ireland.
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