Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to Spain
For families bringing someone home to Spain. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Vietnam to Spain: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals in Spain form a small but established community in Madrid and Barcelona, engaged in trade, hospitality, and service sectors. Spain and Vietnam have bilateral diplomatic ties, with Spain a significant trade partner and development cooperation donor for Vietnam within the EU framework. Vietnamese documentation requires certified Spanish translation for the Registro Civil. The Spanish Embassy in Hanoi handles consular matters. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
- Key document: giay chung tu (death certificate) (in Vietnamese)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc) promptly.
- Spain Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Vietnam
Call 113 for police or 115 for ambulance. A licensed physician must certify the death. Unexpected deaths trigger police notification. Death registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). The giay chung tu is issued in Vietnamese only.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to Spain
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Spain: +34 91 379 9700).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Giay chung tu (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc). Unexpected or accident deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Spain Embassy in Hanoi 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Spain
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Spain funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Spain
When the body arrives in Spain
The Spanish funeral director (empresa funeraria) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), or another Spanish airport. The Registro Civil registers the death. For deaths in the Canary or Balearic Islands, an internal mainland transfer is required before any international cargo flight departs. All foreign documents must carry a certified Spanish translation. (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, 2025.)
Consular support
Spanish Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Spain. Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +34 91 379 9700 (24 hours). The Spanish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to Spain
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to Spain takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local civil registry (nha nuoc) promptly. Unexpected or accident deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: giay chung tu (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 Spain Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Spain Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
Unexpected or accident deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Spanish funeral director takes custody at Madrid Barajas (MAD) or Barcelona El Prat (BCN) cargo terminal. The Registro Civil registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. Island cases require an additional internal transfer to the mainland. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Vietnam is available in major cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Vietnam, 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 Spain.
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 Vietnam (gov.uk) · Vietnam repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions