Repatriation of a body to Italy
If a loved one has died abroad, we bring the body or the ashes back to Italy. We coordinate documents, the Italian consulate, transport and delivery to the place of burial or cremation.
What families should do first
In the first hours only a few actions are needed. We take care of the rest, together with our partners abroad.
01
Call us
We collect the details of the deceased and of the place of death, at any time of day or night.
02
Notify the insurer
If the deceased had travel or assistance insurance, contact the insurer’s emergency line.
03
Gather documents
We need a copy of the deceased’s identity document and your contact details.
04
Choose the destination
Tell us the town and cemetery in Italy, or whether you prefer cremation.
Documents at the place of death
The death must first be registered by the authorities of the country where it occurred. For the return to Italy, the Italian consulate responsible for that area then checks the documents, obtains the authorisation of the Italian municipality of destination and issues the document that accompanies the coffin.
Every country has its own procedure. Thanks to our partners we know which documents to request, and in what order.
Documents usually required
- death certificate of the country of death, with an apostille where required
- medical certificate stating the cause of death
- embalming or preservation certificate
- identity document of the deceased
- authorisation of the Italian consulate for transport to Italy
Transport and arrival in Italy
By air
From distant countries the coffin arrives by plane at an Italian airport. We choose the most suitable flight and the airport closest to the destination.
By road
From many European countries a funeral vehicle is the most direct solution: the coffin travels all the way to the destination with no stopovers.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy we act as the receiving funeral director. We collect the coffin at the airport, complete the formalities on arrival and take it to the cemetery, the crematorium or the funeral home chosen by the family.
If the family wishes, we also organise the funeral service and the burial or cremation in Italy.
Timing, costs and insurance
Timing
Times depend on the country of death, the consulate and any checks by the local authorities. We give you an estimate as soon as we know the case.
Costs
The cost depends on the country of departure, the transport method and the documents needed.
Insurance
If the deceased had travel insurance, the insurer often covers repatriation up to a set limit.
Request a quote
Tell us where the death occurred and where the body or the urn needs to go. We will call you back as soon as possible to explain timing, documents and costs.
If it is urgent, call us now, at any time:
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions families ask us most often. For your specific situation, call us: we answer at any time.
Related guides
Which documents are needed to bring a body to Italy?
Usually the local death certificate, a medical certificate, the embalming certificate, the identity document of the deceased and the authorisation of the Italian consulate. Requirements vary from country to country: we tell you exactly what is needed.
Who deals with the Italian consulate?
We do, together with our partner in the country of death. The consulate checks the documents and obtains the authorisation of the Italian municipality where the burial or cremation will take place.
Where does the coffin arrive in Italy?
If it travels by air, at the Italian airport closest to the destination. We collect it there and take it to the cemetery, the crematorium or the funeral home chosen by the family.
Can the ashes be brought to Italy instead?
Yes. If the deceased is cremated abroad, the urn can travel with a family member or be shipped. Fewer documents are required.
Is the death registered in Italy as well?
For Italian citizens who died abroad, the death certificate is sent by the consulate to the Italian municipality of residence for registration. We can help you with this step too.