Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to Finland
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
The repatriation process from Vietnam
Call 113 for police or 115 for ambulance. A licensed physician must certify the death. Unexpected deaths and road accidents trigger police notification. Death registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). The giay chung tu is issued in Vietnamese only.
Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to Finland: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals form a community in Finland, concentrated in Helsinki and Tampere, having arrived through trade and labour migration channels since Finland established diplomatic ties with Vietnam. Vietnamese documentation requires certified Finnish translation for Finnish Digi- ja vaestotietovirasto (DVV) registry purposes. The Finnish Embassy in Hanoi handles consular matters. Vietnam to Finland is a consistent diaspora corridor.
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City registers the death.
- Finland Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to Finland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +358 9 1605 5555.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local civil registry. Giay chung tu issued.
Certificate in Vietnamese only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Finland Embassy in Hanoi notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Choose correct consulate based on location of death.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Available in Hanoi and HCMC.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation completed
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to London Heathrow
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Finland funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Finland
When the body arrives in Finland
The Finnish hautauspalvelu (funeral director) takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) cargo terminal. A siirtolupa (transport permit) issued by the aluehallintovirasto (Regional State Administrative Agency) is required before the remains can be transported. The Digi- ja vaestotietovirasto (DVV, Digital and Population Data Services Agency) records the death. Finland is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish, or English require certified translation. (Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Finnish Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Finland. Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +358 9 1605 5555 (24 hours). The Finnish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to Finland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to Finland takes 10-14 days. Most cases take 14-21 days. Road accident deaths, where police must complete their investigation, can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Giay chung tu (Vietnamese death certificate) with certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The British Embassy in Hanoi covers northern Vietnam. The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City covers southern Vietnam. Both offices handle repatriation cases.
The Finland Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Finland Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The Finnish hautauspalvelu takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) cargo terminal. A siirtolupa from the aluehallintovirasto is required. The DVV records the death. Documents not in Finnish, Swedish, or English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with regional authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the giay chung tu, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Vietnam, 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 · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions