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 place of departure and whether the deceased travels by road or air. 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.
Ireland is our closest international route, and one of the most straightforward. The two countries share the Common Travel Area, so there is no passport control between them and the deceased can travel by road and ferry as readily as by air. When a death occurs in Ireland, bringing your loved one home to the UK brings together the Irish 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 or deal with offices directly. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Because of the Common Travel Area and the two countries' close administrative ties, this route is lighter on formalities than most. The Irish death certificate is issued in English and is read by the receiving funeral director and registrar in the UK without translation.
A doctor first certifies the death, which is then registered with the local Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (part of the Civil Registration Service), who issues the Irish death certificate. Where the death was sudden, unexplained or reportable, the coroner is involved and must release the deceased before travel. The Irish funeral director prepares the deceased for the journey; we obtain the documents and coordinate release on the family's behalf.
The deceased is placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin, with embalming where the journey or the receiving funeral requires it. Because Ireland is so close, most repatriations travel by road and ferry — typically Dublin to Holyhead — though air freight to a UK airport is also available. Our team collects the deceased from the Irish 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 Irish 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 Ireland typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, and can be quicker still where the death is straightforward and the road-and-ferry crossing is used. The timing depends chiefly on whether the coroner was involved and on ferry or flight availability.
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 place of departure, whether the deceased travels by road or air, and local funeral-home 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 on both sides of the Irish Sea, keep the family informed at every stage, and are contactable 24/7. Our aim is that the short distance between Ireland 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 Irish death certificate from the Registrar and, where the death was sudden, unexplained or reportable, the coroner's release. Embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates are provided where the journey or the receiving funeral requires them.
Where a cremation is planned in England and Wales, the coroner must also authorise it (Cremation Form 6). We obtain the Irish documents on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK. The Common Travel Area and the short Dublin–Holyhead crossing keep Ireland the quickest of our routes.
The timing depends chiefly on whether the coroner was involved and on ferry or flight availability.
Yes. Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area, so there is no passport control between the two countries and the deceased can travel by road and ferry as readily as by air.
The route is lighter on formalities than most, though the death is still registered in Ireland and the coroner is involved where the death was reportable.
No. We deal directly with the Irish Registrar, the coroner where relevant, and the Irish funeral director. The family does not need to travel or communicate with the authorities.
The whole process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation sent by email or WhatsApp.
The quoted price covers the Irish documentation, a transport coffin suitable for the UK funeral (with embalming where required), coroner liaison where the death was reportable, 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 place of departure and the mode of transport.
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.
