Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Malta
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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 Malta: what to expect
The Maltese-British community is long-established, with Maltese nationals and people of Maltese heritage having settled in the United Kingdom over generations of Commonwealth migration. When someone from this community dies in the UK and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Malta, the death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days. The Malta High Commission in London can advise on documentation requirements for the Public Registry (Identity Malta). UK death certificates in English require no translation as English is an official language in Malta. The coroner must issue a removal order before remains can leave England and Wales in sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968. (FCDO Travel Advice: Malta, 2025; Identity Malta Public Registry, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Malta 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.
- Malta Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Malta
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Malta 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
Malta 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 Malta
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Malta funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United Kingdom to Malta
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Malta takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 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 Malta Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Malta 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 Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) Luqa cargo terminal. The Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency, registers the death and issues certificates in Maltese and English. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is used throughout the administration process. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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.
In Malta
When the body arrives in Malta
The Maltese funeral director takes custody at Malta International Airport (MLA) at Luqa cargo terminal. Death registration in Malta is handled by the Public Registry, administered by Identity Malta Agency. Death certificates are issued in Maltese and English, both official languages. Malta has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Malta is an EU and Commonwealth member; English is widely used in administration. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Identity Malta Public Registry, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Malta, 2025.)
Consular support
The Malta High Commission or Embassy in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Malta. Malta has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1968. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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