Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Norway
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Repatriation from the United States to Norway: what to expect
The United States has one of the world's largest Norwegian-heritage communities, concentrated in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the large Norwegian emigration of the 19th and early 20th centuries. American nationals also work in Norway in oil and gas, technology, and international business. The Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Norwegian family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The Norwegian Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for Folkeregisteret. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- 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.
- Norway Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Norway
When the body arrives in Norway
The Norwegian funeral director takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) cargo terminal, or at Bergen Airport (BGO) or Stavanger Airport (SVG) if the final destination is in western Norway. Death registration in Norway is handled by Folkeregisteret (the civil registration system administered by the Norwegian Tax Administration / Skatteetaten). The dodsattest (death certificate) is issued in Norwegian. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Norwegian translation where not already in Norwegian. The police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths and must close their investigation before the body can be released. Note that deaths occurring in Svalbard require transfer to mainland Norway before any international cargo flight can depart. Norway joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1983; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Norway. Norway joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1983. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact Folkeregisteret (Skatteetaten) for civil registration queries. Note that deaths in Svalbard require transfer to mainland Norway first.
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 Norway
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
Norway 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 Norway
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Norway 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 Norway
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Norway 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 Norway Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Norway 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 Norwegian funeral director takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Bergen (BGO), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. Folkeregisteret registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Norwegian translation where not already in Norwegian. The police handle violent or unexplained deaths and must release the body before preparation proceeds. Svalbard deaths require mainland transfer first. Norway joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1983. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
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 Norway.
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