Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Denmark
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Repatriation from the United States to Denmark: what to expect
The United States and Denmark maintain active bilateral ties as NATO allies and trade partners. American nationals work in Denmark in pharmaceutical, shipping, and international business sectors. The Danish Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Danish family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The Danish Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the CPR-registret. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Denmark joined in 1978.
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Denmark Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish funeral director takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) cargo terminal. For deaths in Jutland, Billund Airport (BLL) or Aarhus Airport (AAR) may be used depending on the final destination. Death registration in Denmark is handled by the local municipality (kommunen), which enters the death into the CPR-registret (the national civil registration system). The dodsattest is issued in Danish. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Danish translation where not already in Danish. The police and retsmediciner (forensic medical examiner) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Danish Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local kommunen and CPR-registret for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 911 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Denmark Embassy in Washington DC 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 Denmark
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark 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 States to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Denmark 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 state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) 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 Denmark Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Danish funeral director takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) or the relevant regional airport cargo terminal. The local kommunen enters the death into the CPR-registret. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Danish translation where not already in Danish. The police and retsmediciner handle violent or unexplained deaths. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the kommunen.
Cremation in the United States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in the United States, 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 Denmark.
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 the United States (gov.uk) · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions