Repatriation of a deceased body from abroad to England or Wales

Cremations and Funerals

If a death occurs abroad, the death should be registered according to the local regulations of that country and a Death Certificate should be obtained. To bring a body back to England or Wales you will need either the Death Certificate or an authorisation for the removal of the body from the country of death by someone authorised to do so.

To make an online request for information please click here

To arrange a funeral in England or Wales you will need:

• An authenticated translation of a Death Certificate showing the cause of death and
• A Certificate of No Liability to Register from the registrar in England and Wales. This certificate must be obtained from the registrar in whose area it is intended to bury or cremate the deceased.

To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Home Office or a form E from the coroner will be required. If the death was from natural causes, the Home Office will require the following documentation;

• Application for cremation (form A)
• All original documentation from the country where death occurred
• Translation of documents if necessary

Any death will be referred to the coroner who will decide whether to hold a post mortem or an inquest. The coroner will investigate the cause and circumstances of death. The coroner will issue the appropriate paperwork for the funeral if further action is required. If the body is coming from broad the coroner will issue a certificate E, even if the death is from natural causes.

For more information on Stafford Borough Council's Bereavement Services please click here.