A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the country and region of departure, the mode of transport and local registry fees. We confirm a firm quote at first contact.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
This is a general overview of bringing a loved one home to the UK from anywhere in Europe. For most European countries we also have a dedicated route page with the specific authorities, documents and timelines — this page explains the shared process and principles that apply across the continent. When a death occurs abroad, we coordinate the authorities in the country of death, the transport, and the receiving arrangements in the UK, so the family does not have to travel or deal with foreign offices in a language they may not speak. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
For deaths in a European Union member state, the death certificate can be accompanied by a multilingual standard form under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, which serves as an optional translation aid so the receiving funeral director and registrar in the UK can generally read it without a separate translation. Most European countries are also members of the Hague Apostille Convention, so where a document needs to be legalised for use in the UK it can be apostilled. For some non-EU European countries — for example parts of the Western Balkans — documents may need legalisation and a certified English translation; we advise on the specific requirements for the country involved.
A doctor certifies the death; it is registered with the local civil registry, which issues the official death certificate; and the relevant authority issues the authorisation for international transport of the deceased. The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin. For most of Europe the deceased travels by air freight; for near neighbours a road transfer is sometimes an option. We obtain the documents and manage the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, a burial can generally proceed on the foreign death certificate. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using the Cremation Form 6, once satisfied that no further investigation is needed (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. We liaise with the coroner's office so this is in place when the deceased arrives.
A repatriation from within Europe typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, depending on the country, the local formalities and the circumstances of the death. Where an autopsy or investigation is ordered, release can take longer. Non-EU European countries that require document legalisation may sit at the longer end of that range.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We quote a firm price for the services included at first contact, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the country and region of departure, the mode of transport, the cause of death, and local funeral-home and registry fees. The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death. A UK-based estate or an insurance policy may cover part of the cost, and we are happy to talk this through openly.
For the exact authorities, documents and timelines, see the dedicated page for the country concerned in our directory of routes to the UK. If your country is not listed, contact us: we handle repatriations from across the whole of Europe, and we will confirm the specific process for you at first contact.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
We handle repatriations to and from the UK across the whole of Europe — EU member states and non-EU countries alike. We have dedicated pages for the main origins with country-specific detail; if yours isn't listed, contact us and we'll confirm the exact process.
Within the EU, the death certificate can be issued with a multilingual standard form under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, which serves as a translation aid. Most European countries are also Hague Apostille members, so where a document needs legalising for the UK it can be apostilled. For some non-EU European countries, documents may need legalisation and a certified English translation — we arrange this for the country involved.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact, depending on the country, the local formalities and the circumstances of the death. Non-EU countries with document legalisation, or cases where an autopsy is ordered, can take longer.
Yes. A burial can usually proceed on the foreign death certificate. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using Cremation Form 6 (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal). We liaise with the coroner's office so this is ready on arrival.
No. We coordinate directly with the authorities and funeral director in the country of death in the local language, and manage the transport and UK reception. The family arranges everything remotely with a simple written authorisation.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
