🇵🇹 Portugal
An EU country; the process is broadly similar to Spain and other EU states.
If someone dies abroad
A death abroad adds a layer: local law decides the process, your insurer usually decides what it costs, and the consulate can advise but cannot pay. Start with the travel insurance.
True almost anywhere
- Check the travel/health insurance first — repatriation is expensive and is often covered.
- The death is registered where it happens; the local authority issues the death certificate.
- To use that certificate back home you usually need an official translation and an apostille/legalisation.
- The embassy or consulate can advise and liaise, but cannot pay funeral or repatriation costs.
- You generally choose between repatriating the body or ashes home, or a local burial/cremation.
Europe
🇫🇷 France
EU country with a fast funeral timeline — act promptly.
🇮🇹 Italy
EU country; registration is handled at the local comune.
🇩🇪 Germany
EU country with strict, well-organised burial regulations.
🇮🇪 Ireland
English-language process; close ties make UK repatriation simple.
🇬🇷 Greece
EU country; Orthodox customs favour rapid burial.
🇹🇷 Türkiye (Turkey)
Islamic burial customs mean burial is often very quick.
Americas
Asia-Pacific
🇹🇭 Thailand
A frequent tourist-death location; police involvement is standard.
🇦🇺 Australia
English-language process; long-haul repatriation is the main hurdle.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
English-language process; distance drives cost.
🇯🇵 Japan
Cremation is effectively universal — plan around that.
Middle East & Africa
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Document-heavy and fast-moving; involve the embassy and any sponsor/employer.
🇲🇦 Morocco
Local burial can be rapid; repatriation needs careful paperwork.