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 final price depends on the region of departure, whether the deceased travels by road or air and the cause of death. 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.
France is one of our closest and most frequent routes, with large British communities settled in the Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy and around Paris, and many more visitors and second-home owners crossing the Channel each year. When a death occurs in France, bringing your loved one home to the UK brings together the French authorities, the receiving arrangements in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and the transport itself. We coordinate all three, so the family does not have to travel to France or deal directly with French 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.
Because France is a member of the European Union and lies just across the Channel, the paperwork is comparatively predictable and the distance is short. The French death certificate is available in a multilingual (plurilingual) standard form, which the receiving funeral director and registrar in the UK can generally read without a separate translation.
A doctor first certifies the death, and it is then declared to the local town hall (mairie), whose service d'état civil registers it and issues the official death certificate — the acte de décès, available as a multilingual extract. For a body leaving the country, the préfecture issues the autorisation de transport de corps, which permits the deceased to be carried out of France. We obtain these on the family's behalf while the deceased is prepared by the local funeral operator (pompes funèbres).
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin. Because France is close, the journey is often made by road and cross-Channel ferry or shuttle, though air freight to a UK airport is also used where it is quicker for the region of departure. Our team collects the deceased from the French funeral home or hospital and manages the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. For a burial, the foreign death certificate is generally sufficient. For a cremation, the coroner in England and Wales must give authority first — this is the Cremation Form 6, issued once the coroner is satisfied there is no need for further investigation (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 without delay.
A repatriation from France typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK. The timing depends on the region of departure, appointments at the mairie and préfecture, and the circumstances of the death: where the death is sudden or unexplained and placed at the disposal of the procureur de la République, release can take longer.
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 region of departure, whether the deceased travels by road or air, the cause of death, and local funeral-home and administrative fees. Families are often unaware that a UK-based estate or insurance policy, or travel insurance held by the deceased, may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We handle the entire administrative and logistical process in French and in English, keep the family informed at every stage, and are contactable 24/7. Our aim is that the short distance between France and home should never translate into lost days or added distress at the worst possible time.
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.
The core documents are the acte de décès from the mairie (available in multilingual standard form), the autorisation de transport de corps permitting the deceased to be moved out of France, and embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates for transport.
Where a cremation is planned in England and Wales, the coroner must also authorise it (Cremation Form 6). We obtain all of the French documents on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK.
The timing depends on the region of departure, appointments at the mairie and préfecture, and the circumstances of the death. Where the death is placed at the disposal of the public prosecutor, release can take longer.
No. We have French-speaking coordinators who deal directly with the mairie, the préfecture, the funeral operator and, if necessary, the court. The family does not need to travel or communicate with the French authorities.
The whole process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation sent by email or WhatsApp.
Yes. Because France is just across the Channel, many repatriations are made by road and cross-Channel ferry or shuttle, which can be both quicker and more economical than air freight.
We advise on the best option for the region of departure and arrange it either way, including air freight to a UK airport where that is faster.
The quoted price covers the French documentation, embalming, a transport coffin suitable for the UK funeral, the transport authorisation, transport to the UK and handover to your funeral director.
We confirm a firm quote at first contact with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the region of departure, the mode of transport, the cause of death and local fees.
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.
