Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Belgium
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in the United Kingdom
Call 999 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a removal order before the body can leave England and Wales. The United Kingdom is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Coroner cases add time: the coroner must be satisfied the body may leave before issuing the order for removal out of England and Wales.
Key facts
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Belgium: what to expect
Belgium and the United Kingdom have deep historical ties, including the role of Belgian territory in both World Wars. Belgium hosts the European Union and NATO headquarters in Brussels, with a significant British professional presence. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains numerous cemeteries in Belgium, and many British families have historical connections to the country. The British Embassy in Brussels is fully operational. When someone from the United Kingdom dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Belgium, the death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Belgium, 2025; SPF Justice, Belgium, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Belgium High Commission or Embassy in London for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) promptly.
- Belgium Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Belgium
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Belgium High Commission or Embassy in London.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Belgium High Commission or Embassy in London 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 (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Belgium
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Belgium funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Belgium
When the body arrives in Belgium
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. Death registration in Belgium is handled by the commune (gemeentehuis) in the municipality where the death is registered, via the Registre National des Personnes Physiques (National Register). Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in French, Dutch, or German, accompanied by a certified translation into the language of the relevant Belgian region. The Parquet (public prosecutor's office) is notified for medico-legal cases. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1975; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (SPF Justice, Belgium, 2025; Commune administration, Belgium, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Belgium, 2025.)
Consular support
The Belgian Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Belgium. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1975. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the relevant commune administration for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United Kingdom to Belgium
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Belgium 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 local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 Belgium Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Belgium Embassy in London as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Belgian funeral director takes custody at Brussels Airport (BRU) cargo terminal. The commune (gemeentehuis) registers the death via the Registre National des Personnes Physiques. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into the relevant Belgian language (French, Dutch, or German). The Parquet is notified for medico-legal cases. Belgium joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1975. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local commune.
Cremation in the United Kingdom is widely available. A second medical certificate is required for cremation before the body can be removed. If the coroner is involved, a coroner's certificate replaces the second medical certificate. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in the United Kingdom, 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 · the United Kingdom repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions