Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Taiwan to Canada
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Taiwan to Canada: what to expect
The Taiwanese community in Canada has grown steadily, with significant populations in Toronto and Vancouver drawn by education and professional opportunities. Canada does not maintain a formal embassy in Taiwan; the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei handles consular matters. Traditional Chinese documentation from Taiwan requires certified English or French translation. Taiwan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; documents require authentication through the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei before use in Canada. (Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Traditional Chinese) (in Traditional Chinese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Taipei registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Household Registration Office (Huji Shiwusuo) promptly.
- Canada Embassy in Taipei can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Taiwan to Canada
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +1 613 996 8885.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in traditional chinese) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Household Registration Office (Huji Shiwusuo). Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (prosecutor's office) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Canada Embassy in Taipei 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Canada
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Canada funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Taiwan
Call 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a licensed physician. The death notification and certificate are registered with the Household Registration Office (Huji Shiwusuo). The prosecutor's office takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Taiwan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; documents require authentication through designated channels.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Taiwan to Canada
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Taiwan to Canada takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Household Registration Office (Huji Shiwusuo) promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (prosecutor's office) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Traditional Chinese) 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 Canada Embassy in Taipei can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Canada Embassy in Taipei as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (prosecutor's office) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR) cargo terminal. The provincial civil records authority registers the death. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Canada is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English or French require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Taiwan is widely available and the most common final disposition, particularly in urban areas. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Canada
When the body arrives in Canada
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), or another major Canadian airport cargo terminal. The provincial or territorial civil records authority registers the death. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Canada is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English or French require certified translation. (Global Affairs Canada, 2025.)
Consular support
Canadian High Commission or Embassy in Taipei can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Canada. Global Affairs Canada 24-hour emergency line: +1 613 996 8885. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Taiwan, 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 · Taiwan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions