Repatriation of remains
Repatriation of a body (to England or Wales)
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 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.
For information or advice, use our online e-form (secure).
To arrange a cremation, a cremation order from the Ministry of Justice or a Form CR6 from the Coroner will be required.
If the death was from natural causes, the Ministry of Justice will require the following documentation:
- application for cremation (Form CR1)
- all original documentation from the country where the death occurred
- translation of documents if necessary.
If the death was not natural it will be referred to the Coroner who will open an inquest to investigate the cause and circumstances of death. In this case the coroner will issue Form CR6 for cremation.
Repatriation of body (to abroad)
Some countries require a Cadaver Certificate before they will allow a body into the country for burial.
The certificate, if issued, confirms that no epidemic of infectious disease occurred in the borough for some three months preceding the death.
Cadaver certificates
The formality of obtaining the cadaver certificate is usually handled by the undertaker, making the arrangements on behalf of the relatives however, anyone can apply.
A funeral director will also help with anything requested by the Coroner and with requirements of the authorities in the overseas country to which the deceased is going. Some of these requirements may apply for burial in another part of the United Kingdom.
The certificate is issued by one of our Environmental Health Officers in whose area the person died, or is to be exhumed from before reburial elsewhere.
For information of assistance with an application, use our online e-from (secure).
Contact us
If you want more details about our services, click on the relevant links or contact us using our online form or by:
e-mail: bereavement.services@wolverhampton.gov.uk Phone: 01902 554992
Minicom: 01902 555770
Fax: 01902 554987
Write or visit:
Bereavement Centre
Adults and Community
Wolverhampton City Council
Civic Centre, St. Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1SD
Map: Google maps