Repatriation of a body from Italy
When someone dies in Italy and needs to return home, we organise the whole repatriation: documents, preparation of the deceased, flight and handover to the receiving funeral director.
Death in Italy: first steps
If the death occurs in hospital, the hospital notifies the municipality. If it occurs at home, in a hotel or elsewhere, a doctor must certify it and, in case of a sudden or violent death, the authorities are involved.
Call us as soon as possible: we coordinate with the hospital, the municipality and the consulate of the deceased’s country, and we tell you which details we need from you.
Has the death just occurred?
We answer 24 hours a day and give you the first instructions straight away.
Most common documents
- Italian death certificate, also in multilingual format
- authorisation to transport the body abroad
- mortuary passport for the Berlin Agreement countries
- clearance of the destination country’s consulate where required
- certificate of preservation treatment and coffin sealing
Italian and consular documents
The death is registered by the municipality where it occurred, which issues the death certificate, also in the multilingual format. Italian law requires a short observation period and a preservation treatment before an international transport.
We submit every request and deal with the offices. We only ask you for the details of the deceased and a copy of their identity document.
Flight or road transport
By air
For distant destinations the coffin travels as air cargo, following the procedures for human remains. We book the flight, deliver the coffin to the airport and follow the journey until arrival.
By road
For many European destinations our funeral vehicle is simpler and sometimes faster. The coffin travels with our staff all the way to the receiving funeral director.
Handover at the destination
In the destination country we work with trusted funeral directors. We agree with them the arrival time, the collection at the airport or the direct handover, and the formalities required by the local authorities.
The family receives updates at every step and has one point of contact.
Timing, costs and insurance
Timing
The formalities in Italy can take up to two weeks, and longer if the judicial authority orders checks. We give you an estimate as soon as we know the case.
Costs
The cost varies with the destination, the transport method and the documents needed. We send you a personalised quote.
Insurance
If the deceased had travel insurance, notify the insurer: it 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 authorisations are needed to repatriate a body from Italy?
The Italian death certificate, the authorisation to transport the body abroad and the document required by the destination country: the mortuary passport for the Berlin Agreement countries, or the consulate’s clearance for other countries. We request them for you.
What happens if the authorities order an autopsy?
In case of a sudden or violent death the judicial authority may order checks. The body is released only after its clearance, so the times get longer. We stay in contact with the offices and keep you informed.
Do airlines accept any coffin?
No. A coffin for international transport must meet specific requirements, with a solid wood coffin and a sealed metal liner. We prepare it according to Italian rules and to the airline’s requirements.
Who receives the coffin in the destination country?
A local funeral director, chosen by the family or from our network of partners. We agree every detail of the handover with them.
Does the family need to come to Italy?
No. We can handle all the formalities remotely and keep you updated by phone, email or message.