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 provide this.
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, you will need to contact the Department of Constitutional Affairs.
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.
