Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Vietnam to Switzerland
For families bringing someone home to Switzerland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Vietnam to Switzerland: what to expect
Vietnamese nationals in Switzerland include students, professionals at international organisations, and a small diaspora community. Vietnam and Switzerland have bilateral trade and diplomatic ties, with Switzerland an important European partner for Vietnamese exports. Vietnamese documentation requires certified German, French, or Italian translation for Swiss Zivilstandsamt purposes. The Swiss Embassy in Hanoi handles consular matters. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
- Key documents: Giay chung tu (death certificate, in Vietnamese) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Vietnamese documentation requires certified translation.
- Switzerland Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Vietnam to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Switzerland: +41 800 24-7-365).
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
Switzerland 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete. Vietnam Airlines operates direct routes.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Vietnam to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Vietnam to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Hanoi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Hanoi as soon as possible after the death.
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains on arrival. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the cantonal authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Vietnam and bringing the ashes home to Switzerland is an option. You will need the giay chung tu, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Hanoi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline for Swiss residents abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Switzerland.
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