Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Switzerland to South Korea
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Repatriation from Switzerland to South Korea: what to expect
Swiss nationals in South Korea include professionals in finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors. Switzerland and South Korea have a bilateral free trade agreement (EFTA-Korea FTA, 2006) and active investment ties. Swiss death certificates (Todesschein, in German, French, or Italian depending on the canton) require certified Korean translation and authentication through the South Korean Embassy in Bern before the gu office (ward office) can register the death. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Todesschein (death certificate) (in German, French, or Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) promptly.
- South Korea Embassy in Bern can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Switzerland
Call 117 for police or 144 for ambulance. A physician certifies the death. The Todesschein is registered with the local Zivilstandsamt. Police and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Switzerland to South Korea
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of South Korea: +82 2 3210 0404).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Todesschein (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
South Korea 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 South Korea
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Korea funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Switzerland to South Korea
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Switzerland to South Korea takes 3-7 days. The fastest cases complete in 2-5 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Todesschein (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 South Korea Embassy in Bern can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Korea Embassy in Bern as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Korean funeral director (jang-ye-jido-sa) takes custody at Incheon International Airport (ICN) cargo terminal. The local gu office (ward office) registers the death. A jang-ui-hwakinjung (burial or cremation certificate) is required before final disposition. South Korea is not a Hague Apostille member; all foreign documents require authentication through Korean embassy channels and certified Korean translation.
Cremation in Switzerland 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 South Korea
When the body arrives in South Korea
The Korean funeral director (jang-ye-jido-sa) takes custody at Incheon International Airport (ICN) cargo terminal. The local gu office (ward office) registers the death and issues the Korean death certificate. A burial or cremation certificate (jang-ui-hwakinjung) is required before final disposition. South Korea has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 14 July 2007, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bern can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Korea. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour emergency line: +82 2 3210 0404. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 South Korea.
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