Repatriation from Denmark for burial in the deceased’s home country
We handle the practical arrangements for repatriation, including the required documentation and translations, contact with embassies, and transport in a coffin or of ashes in an urn.
Experience, care and reassurance every step of the way
What you need to know about repatriation for burial in the deceased’s home country
When someone dies in Denmark and is to be buried or cremated in their home country, families often have to deal with unfamiliar procedures and urgent practical decisions at an already difficult time.
This guide gives you a clear overview of the key steps, documentation and official requirements involved in repatriating the deceased from Denmark to their home country.
Begravelse Danmark provides repatriation services from Denmark to destinations across the Nordic region, Europe and the rest of the world. We can arrange transport in a coffin or, following cremation in Denmark, transport of the ashes in an urn. We have more than 50 years of experience in international repatriation and have helped families with repatriations to over 50 countries worldwide.
We have established strong working relationships with embassies, authorities and airlines in many countries. We also work with international assistance companies, including SOS International, Gouda, Falck and Viking Travel Care, which support families, businesses and organisations dealing with illness and death across international borders.
We also assist embassies, businesses and organisations when an employee, tourist or visitor who has died in Denmark needs to be repatriated to their home country.
- 50+ countriesRepatriation worldwide
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On this page
- Help with repatriation from Denmark
- What to do first
- How long does repatriation to the home country take?
- Repatriation in a coffin or of ashes in an urn?
- What documents are required?
- How much does repatriation cost?
- Why be buried in the home country?
- Ways to say goodbye in Denmark
- Religious and cultural requirements
- Which countries can Begravelse Danmark arrange repatriation to?
- Frequently asked questions
01 · Our support
Help with repatriation from Denmark
For some families, the wish to repatriate the deceased is linked to religion, tradition or cultural values. For others, it is about being laid to rest close to family, their roots and the place they consider home.
Whatever the reason, Begravelse Danmark can help with the practical and administrative arrangements involved when someone dies in Denmark and is to be repatriated to another country. This includes:
- Transport of the deceased in a coffin or of ashes in an urn
- Laissez-passer for the deceased and other required documents
- Embalming for air transport in a coffin
- Coordination with airlines
- Cremation and repatriation of ashes
- Contact with authorities and embassies
- Translation and legalisation of documents
- Help with ceremonies and ways to say goodbye in Denmark
- Contact with the receiving funeral director, family or other contacts in the home country
If you have questions or need help understanding the next steps, you are always welcome to contact us.
02 · First steps
What to do first when the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark
When the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark to another country, it is important to clarify the first practical details as early as possible.
The process depends on:
- Which country the deceased is being repatriated to
- Whether the deceased is to be transported in a coffin or as ashes in an urn
- The requirements of the authorities in the destination country
- Any religious or cultural traditions that need to be respected
It also matters whether the family is already in contact with a funeral director in the home country, whether the deceased had a Danish CPR number, and whether the authorities require translations or specific approvals.
For some countries, repatriation can be arranged relatively quickly. In other cases, the authorities require more extensive documentation, approvals or special permits before the deceased can enter the country.
It is therefore a good idea to get help early in the process. This gives you more time to arrange the necessary documents, permits and practical details from the outset.
Step 1
Contact Begravelse Danmark for help with international repatriation
When the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark to their home country, it is best to contact a funeral director with experience in international repatriation as early as possible.
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During the first conversation, we will typically ask for:
- A copy of the deceased’s passport
- Contact details for the next of kin
- Details of the person responsible for contact with authorities, transport arrangements and payment
- Details of who will receive the deceased in the home country
- Whether the family is already in contact with a local funeral director in the home country
- The city or cemetery where the burial or funeral is to take place
- Details of who will be financially responsible for the arrangements
In some cases, it may also be necessary to contact the relevant country’s embassy in Denmark. Some countries have specific requirements for documentation, legalisation and approvals before the deceased can be transported across international borders.
Step 2
Should the deceased be repatriated in a coffin or as ashes in an urn?
One of the first decisions is whether the deceased should be repatriated in a coffin or cremated in Denmark, with the ashes then transported in an urn. The choice often depends on the family’s wishes, religion and traditions.
Read more
For some families, it is important for the deceased to be buried in their home country. In these cases, the deceased is transported in a coffin.
Other families choose cremation in Denmark and ashes repatriation because the process is often simpler and requires fewer documents. Transporting ashes in an urn is also usually the less expensive option, especially if a family member can travel with the urn to the home country.
This decision affects the type of transport, the time required, the documents needed and the total cost.
For some families, the decision is closely linked to religion or tradition. In other cases, it depends on how soon the burial needs to take place or whether family members are able to travel to the home country.
Step 3
Documents and official requirements
Before the deceased can be transported from Denmark to another country, several documents and approvals are required. The exact requirements vary from country to country.
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The documents needed depend on the destination country and on whether the deceased is transported in a coffin or as ashes in an urn.
The basic documents include:
- Death certificate
- Laissez-passer for the deceased when transported in a coffin
- Cremation certificate when ashes are transported in an urn
Many countries also require:
- Personal certificate
- Information about the deceased and their close family, including:
- A copy of the deceased’s passport
- Contact details for the next of kin
- Details of the person responsible for contact with authorities, transport arrangements and payment
- Details of the person who will receive the deceased in the home country
In some cases, the authorities may also require:
- Translation of documents
- Legalisation of documents
- Approvals from authorities or embassies
We help you understand which documents are required and what you need to be aware of at each stage of the process.
03 · Timeframe
How long does it take to repatriate the deceased to their home country?
This is one of the first questions many families ask. It is also one of the hardest to answer with certainty.
The timeframe depends on several factors, including the destination country, the documents required and how quickly the authorities can process the necessary approvals.
The timeframe depends on documents, authorities and destination
In some cases, repatriation can be arranged relatively quickly. Other cases are more complex and involve several steps, which means it takes longer before the deceased can leave Denmark.
The timeframe is affected by:
- The country the deceased is being repatriated to
- Whether the deceased is transported in a coffin or as ashes in an urn
- How quickly the death certificate and other required documents can be obtained, as the repatriation process cannot normally begin until the death certificate is available
- Whether the deceased was a Danish citizen, a tourist or lived in Denmark without a Danish CPR number, as this can affect official procedures and document requirements
- Whether documents need to be translated or legalised
- Whether embassies or local authorities need to approve the repatriation
- Available flights and other transport options
- Weekends, public holidays or other days when relevant offices are closed
If the deceased is to be repatriated by air in a coffin, the required documents must be in place before the airline approves the transport. Some countries also have specific documentation requirements that must be met before the deceased can enter the country.
The process may also take longer if documents need to be translated, legalised or sent between several authorities. It is therefore important that all documents are completed correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
For these reasons, it can be difficult to say in advance exactly how long repatriation to the home country will take.
At Begravelse Danmark, we help you understand what to expect and keep you informed throughout the process. Once we have received the death certificate and reviewed the case with you, we can usually form a realistic view of the likely timeframe. In many cases, we can provide an estimate within the first working day of when the deceased is likely to arrive in their home country.
If you have questions about the timeframe or are unsure what happens next, you are always welcome to contact us.
04 · Coffin or urn
Should the deceased be transported from Denmark in a coffin or as ashes in an urn?
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether the deceased should be transported from Denmark in a coffin or cremated in Denmark, with the ashes then transported in an urn.
For some families, it is important for the deceased to be buried in their home country. In these cases, the deceased is transported in a coffin.
If the family chooses cremation in Denmark, the urn can then be transported to the home country. This option requires fewer documents than transport in a coffin and is both simpler and much less expensive, especially if you or another family member can travel with the urn.
Transport of the deceased in a coffin
When the deceased is to be transported abroad in a coffin, the necessary documents must first be issued and the deceased prepared for transport.
If the deceased is to be transported by air, many countries and airlines require embalming before the journey. The deceased is then placed in an approved transport coffin with a zinc lining or zinc bag, which is sealed before departure. Some countries also require the coffin to be leakproof and approved for international transport.
A laissez-passer for the deceased is also issued and accompanies the deceased throughout the journey.
For transport to Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, a zinc-lined coffin and embalming are not normally required unless the carrier or airline has its own requirements.
💡 What is embalming?
Embalming is a special treatment that slows the natural changes that take place in the body after death.
During embalming, some of the body’s fluids are replaced with a preservative fluid. This helps preserve the deceased during transport. The treatment is carried out by specially trained professionals and always with respect and dignity.
Why is embalming required for air transport?
When the deceased is transported abroad by air, many countries and airlines require embalming. Reasons include:
- The journey may cover a long distance
- Several days may pass between departure and the burial or cremation ceremony
- Authorities and airlines need to ensure that the deceased can be transported safely and appropriately
For transport to other Nordic countries, embalming is not normally required unless the airline or authorities have specific requirements.
Once the embalming is complete, an embalming certificate is issued. This forms part of the documentation that accompanies the deceased during transport.
💡 What is a laissez-passer for the deceased?
A laissez-passer is an official document that allows a deceased person to be transported across international borders.
It accompanies the deceased throughout the journey and confirms that the official transport requirements have been met.
The laissez-passer contains information about:
- The identity of the deceased
- Where the death occurred
- The country, any transit points and the final destination
- How the deceased will be transported
When the deceased is transported in a coffin, a laissez-passer is required before the deceased can leave Denmark. The exceptions are transport to the Faroe Islands and transport to or from Bornholm via Sweden. The laissez-passer is issued by the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
A laissez-passer is not required when transporting ashes abroad.
Once the documents are in place and the airline has approved the transport, the coffin is flown to an international airport in the home country or to the nearest airport capable of handling this type of transport.
Not all airports can receive coffins, and not all airlines or flights accept transporting the deceased. The route and destination are therefore planned according to the available options in the country concerned.
On arrival, the deceased is received by the local funeral director or other partner responsible for the onward transport and the burial or cremation ceremony.
Cremation in Denmark and transport of ashes to the home country
If the family chooses transport in an urn, the cremation must first take place in Denmark. The ashes can then be transported to the home country.
Some families choose to travel with the urn themselves and carry it as hand luggage. Others arrange for it to be sent through a funeral director or carrier.
When ashes are transported abroad, documentation of the cremation and information about the contents of the urn are required. Some countries also have specific rules for how the urn must be packed, labelled or transported.
We therefore check in advance which documents are required and how the urn may be transported to the destination country.
How do families choose between a coffin and an urn?
For some families, religion, tradition or cultural values mean that the deceased should be buried in their home country and therefore transported in a coffin.
Others choose cremation in Denmark and transport of the ashes in an urn because this better reflects the family’s wishes. Transporting ashes requires fewer documents and approvals than transporting a coffin and is often simpler and less expensive. In many cases, a family member travels with the urn, which further reduces transport costs.
There is no single option that is right for every family. We therefore start with your situation and help you find the option that makes the most sense for you.
If you have questions about transport in a coffin or of ashes in an urn, you are always welcome to contact us.
05 · Documents
What documents are required when the deceased is transported from Denmark?
When the deceased is transported to another country, several documents are required. The exact documents depend on the rules in the destination country.
In some cases, the requirements are relatively simple. In others, documents may need to be translated, approved or legalised before the transport can take place.
We help you understand which documents are needed and what the authorities require in your specific situation.
Below is an overview of some of the documents and approvals that often play an important role when the deceased is transported from Denmark.
Death certificate pages 1 and 2
When a person dies in Denmark, a doctor issues a death certificate. For international repatriation, both page 1 and page 2 are important:
- Page 1 of the death certificate is given to the family or funeral director and is used to arrange transport.
- Page 2 contains information about the cause of death and any infectious disease. This information may affect the issue of the laissez-passer and the transport abroad.
Missing information or incorrectly completed documents can delay the transport arrangements.
If the deceased does not have a Danish CPR number
If the deceased does not have a Danish CPR number, the authorities will create an administrative CPR number.
This allows the death to be registered and the necessary documents to be processed in Denmark.
For you as a family member, this often happens in the background. However, it can be an important step in obtaining the necessary permits and documents.
Do the documents need to be translated?
Many countries require documents to be translated before the deceased can enter the country.
This may apply to death certificates, cremation documents or other official certificates.
As Danish is not widely used outside Denmark, many authorities do not accept documents in the original Danish. The documents may therefore need to be translated into English or another language required by the authorities in the destination country.
Requirements vary from country to country, particularly outside Europe and in Spanish-speaking countries. We therefore check in advance which documents need to be translated to help avoid unnecessary delays.
What does the legalisation of documents mean?
Legalisation of documents is an official confirmation of a document’s origin and validity, allowing it to be used by authorities in another country.
The requirements vary from country to country and depend on the documents involved. In some cases, a legalised death certificate can be ordered through the Danish Health Data Authority. Other countries require documents to be accompanied by an Apostille.
An Apostille is an international certification that confirms the authenticity of a public document for use abroad. In Denmark, Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you need a copy of a death certificate or guidance on documentation for repatriation from Denmark, we can help identify which documents need to be legalised and what requirements apply in the country where they will be used.
Requirements vary from country to country
Some countries require only a few documents. Others have more extensive requirements for translations, approvals, and the manner in which the deceased must be transported.
We therefore check the rules in advance and help ensure that the necessary documents are ready before the deceased is repatriated to their home country.
This helps reduce the risk of delays and problems during the process.
If you have questions about the documents or are unsure about the requirements in the destination country, you are always welcome to contact us.
06 · Cost
How much does repatriation from Denmark cost?
When someone close to you dies in Denmark and needs to be repatriated abroad, cost is often one of the first practical questions.
This is completely understandable. The cost depends on several factors, so there is rarely one fixed price that applies to every situation.
The cost of repatriation depends on:
- The country the deceased is being repatriated to
- Whether the deceased is transported in a coffin or as ashes in an urn
- Whether transport is by air, road or ferry
- The distance to the destination
- Any specific transport requirements
Coffin
When the deceased is repatriated to their home country in a coffin, several documents and practical arrangements are required.
For air transport, many countries require embalming, a laissez-passer and an approved transport coffin with a zinc lining or zinc bag.
There may also be costs for:
- Air freight
- Legalisation of documents
- Official approvals
- Translation of documents
- Transport to and from airports
- Receiving the deceased in the home country
- Local transport to a cemetery, chapel or burial place
- Local partners in the destination country
Costs can also vary greatly depending on whether the deceased is being transported to a neighbouring country such as Germany or Sweden, or to Thailand, the Philippines or a country in Africa or South America.
In general, longer distances often mean higher costs.
Urn
If the deceased is cremated in Denmark and the ashes are then transported in an urn, transport costs are lower than for repatriation in a coffin.
A laissez-passer is not required. Instead, a cremation certificate and any other documentation required by the destination country must be provided.
The transport is also simpler because embalming, a zinc lining and other special measures used for coffin transport are not required.
There may still be costs for:
- Cremation
- Translation of documents
- Transport
- Any requirements set by the authorities in the destination country
For some families, transporting ashes is therefore the best option because it is often simpler and less expensive than repatriation in a coffin.
Can you get financial help with the costs?
If the deceased was eligible for Danish national health insurance at the time of death, it may be possible to apply for funeral benefits through Udbetaling Danmark. This generally applies to people covered by Danish national health insurance, and special rules may also apply to Danish citizens living abroad.
The amount of funeral benefits depends on factors including the deceased’s age, assets and the financial circumstances of any spouse. The benefit can help cover some of the costs following a death, but it will rarely cover the full cost of international repatriation.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for funeral benefits, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the application process.
Why we always assess each case individually
No two families are in the same situation.
We therefore consider the destination, the family’s wishes, and the requirements of the country to which the deceased is being repatriated. This allows us to explain the available options and give you a realistic view of the likely costs.
If you have questions about costs or the options available to you, you are always welcome to contact us.
07 · Why the home country?
Why many families choose burial in the deceased’s home country
When someone dies far from the country their family comes from, an important question often arises:
Where should the final goodbye take place?
For many families, repatriation is not only about practical matters. It is also about family, a sense of belonging and the wish to be laid to rest in the place that feels like home.
Some families already have a family grave in the home country. Others want spouses or several generations of the family to be buried in the same place. For many, it is also important that family and friends have the opportunity to attend the funeral.
Religion and tradition also play an important role for some families. For others, the decision is about respecting the deceased’s wish.
Whatever the reason, the wish is often the same:
To bring someone home and create a final goodbye that feels right for you and your family.
08 · Saying goodbye in Denmark
Can the family say goodbye in Denmark before the deceased is repatriated?
Yes. Many families choose to say goodbye in Denmark before the deceased is repatriated to their home country.
For some, this is because family and friends live in Denmark and are unable to travel to the funeral. Others value the opportunity to say goodbye in peaceful surroundings before the deceased leaves Denmark.
Many families want a final goodbye before the deceased leaves Denmark
Some families wish to see the deceased one last time before the coffin is closed and transported to the home country.
Others prefer a small gathering where close family and friends can come together, light candles, lay flowers or remember the deceased.
The farewell can take place in a church in the deceased’s parish, a chapel or another suitable setting. This depends on the family’s wishes and the time available before the transport.
We help arrange the farewell in Denmark
When the deceased is to be repatriated to another country, many practical arrangements often need to be handled within a short time.
If you would like to say goodbye in Denmark, we can help plan the farewell and arrange a setting that reflects your wishes. This may be a simple gathering for close family and friends or a ceremony that includes specific traditions and rituals.
Our aim is to give you the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that feels right for you before the deceased is repatriated to their home country.
09 · Religion and culture
When you have specific religious or cultural wishes
When the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark to their home country, religion, traditions and cultural wishes often play an important role in both the farewell and the transport arrangements.
Whether you want a farewell based on religious traditions, cultural rituals, or personal values, we help plan the transport and consider what matters to you and your family.
For Muslim funerals, many families wish for the burial to take place as soon as possible. Ritual washing, shrouding and funeral prayer are often important parts of the process, and cremation is generally not permitted. Many Muslim families therefore choose repatriation in a coffin to the home country.
For Buddhist funerals, cremation often plays a central role. Some families wish for monks to take part in the ceremony, while others place importance on prayers or specific rituals before the cremation. In some cases, the ashes are then transported in an urn to the home country, where the final farewell takes place.
Other families choose a non-religious ceremony. Here, the farewell focuses on the deceased’s life, relationships and personal wishes rather than religious traditions.
10 · Countries
Which countries can Begravelse Danmark arrange repatriation to?
Begravelse Danmark helps families with repatriation from Denmark to destinations worldwide.
- Nordic countries
- Europe
- Middle East
- Asia
- Africa
- North America
- South America
- Oceania
Repatriation to the Nordic countries, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa
Begravelse Danmark has many years of experience in repatriating the deceased to most European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania and the Baltic countries.
Several times a year, we also arrange transport of coffins and urns to countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America.
Some families use a local funeral director in the home country to receive the deceased at the airport and arrange onward transport to the cemetery, burial place or other location where the funeral or cremation ceremony will take place.
Other families are still deciding how and where the funeral or cremation ceremony will take place.
Begravelse Danmark can help you understand the process and the practical arrangements needed when the deceased is to be repatriated to their home country. As a general rule, you and your family are responsible for contacting a local funeral director or other partner in the destination country.
FAQ · Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions about repatriation from Denmark
What information do we typically need to provide?
When we help arrange repatriation from Denmark, we will often ask for the deceased’s passport or other identification, information about the death and contact details for the person or funeral director who will receive the deceased in the home country.
We will also need information about where the burial or cremation ceremony will take place. The exact information required depends on the destination and the rules in that country.
Can the family choose a funeral director in the home country?
Yes. Many families are already in contact with a funeral director in the home country.
Who pays for repatriation to the home country?
If the deceased had travel insurance that included repatriation, the insurance company will cover the transport costs. If the deceased was not covered by travel insurance, the costs are generally paid by the estate or the family.
The cost depends on factors including the destination, the type of transport and the requirements set by the authorities in the destination country.
Can Begravelse Danmark help with embassies and authorities?
Yes. We help you understand which authorities, embassies and other partners may be involved. We also advise you on the documents and permits that need to be in place during the process.
How soon do we need to decide about repatriation?
It is best to start the process as early as possible. The earlier it begins, the sooner the necessary documents, permits and approvals can be arranged.
Can the funeral or cremation ceremony be delayed while we wait for documents?
If the family wishes to hold a burial or cremation ceremony in Denmark, it may in some cases be necessary to apply for an extension if documents or official approvals delay the process. Longer delays may require approval from the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
If the deceased is to be repatriated for burial or cremation in their home country, the relevant deadlines are generally set by the destination country’s rules and authorities. We help you understand the process and which documents must be in place before transport can take place.
Do we need to apply for the laissez-passer and permits ourselves?
No. As your funeral director, we help obtain the necessary documents and submit applications to the relevant authorities. The laissez-passer is issued by the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
What happens if documents are missing?
If documents are incomplete or the authorities need more information, the repatriation may be delayed. We therefore help ensure that the necessary documents are in place before the transport is arranged.
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Do you need help with repatriation from Denmark?
When the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark to their home country, there may be many practical arrangements, document requirements and decisions to consider. At Begravelse Danmark, we help you understand the available options and plan the process that best fits your situation.
You are always welcome to contact us if you have questions about the process or need help understanding your options. We are available 24/7 and take the time to explain what happens next when the deceased is to be repatriated from Denmark to their home country.