Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Ukraine to France
For families bringing someone home to France. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Ukraine to France: what to expect
Ukrainian nationals in France include those who sought refuge following the 2022 Russian invasion, granted temporary protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, alongside an established pre-war diaspora of professionals and students. France has been a significant host country for Ukrainian displaced persons. Ukrainian documentation requires certified French translation for French prefecture and civil registry purposes. The French Embassy in Kyiv continues to operate. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
- Key document: Death certificate from DRACS (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Consular assistance in conflict-affected areas is severely limited.
- The current conflict may significantly extend timelines, particularly in areas of active hostilities.
- France Embassy in Kyiv can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Ukraine to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of France: +33 1 43 17 67 67).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from DRACS (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the DRACS (State Registry of Acts of Civil Status). Prosecutor's Office and police may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
France Embassy in Kyiv 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to France
Once all documentation complete. France cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in Ukraine
Contact emergency services (112). Death must be registered with the DRACS (State Registry of Acts of Civil Status). The Prosecutor's Office and police takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Ukraine to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Ukraine to France takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-12 weeks or longer.
Consular assistance in conflict-affected areas is severely limited.
The core documents are: Death certificate from DRACS (certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural or conflict-related deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The France Embassy in Kyiv can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Kyiv as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, unexplained, or conflict-related deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Ukraine is available. Bringing the ashes home to France is an option. The ongoing conflict may complicate arrangements in affected regions.
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Kyiv can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French 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 Ukraine, 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 France.
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 Ukraine (gov.uk) · Ukraine repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions