Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Portugal
For families bringing someone home to Portugal. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from the United States to Portugal: what to expect
Portugal has attracted a growing number of American nationals under its residency and digital nomad programmes, and American tourists and retirees have discovered Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve as increasingly popular destinations. A Portuguese-American community has existed for generations, particularly in the northeastern United States. The Portuguese Embassy in Washington DC is fully operational. When a person with Portuguese family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. 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.
- Portugal Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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 Portugal
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
Portugal 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 Portugal
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Portugal funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Portugal
When the body arrives in Portugal
The Portuguese funeral director takes custody at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (OPO), or Faro Airport (FAO) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Portugal is handled by the Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Portuguese, accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation for submission to the Conservatoria do Registo Civil. The Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciencias Forenses (INMLCF) handles medico-legal cases. Portugal joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1969; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Portugal. Portugal joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1969. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Conservatoria do Registo Civil via the IRN for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Portugal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States to Portugal 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 Portugal Embassy in Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Portugal 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 Portuguese funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil under the IRN registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation where not already in Portuguese. The INMLCF handles medico-legal cases. Portugal joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1969. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Conservatoria do Registo Civil.
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 Portugal.
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