Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Greenland
This guide explains what happens after a death in Greenland, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
Typical cost
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
What to Do When Someone Dies in Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark in the Arctic. Danish law governs civil matters including death registration. All documentation is in Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) or Danish — certified English translation is required. The key logistical challenge is the very limited Air Greenland flight frequency and the vast distances between settlements.
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 immediately. The British Embassy Copenhagen (+45 35 44 52 00) handles Greenland on a non-resident basis.
Step 1: Notify the FCDO and Local Authorities
The attending physician or hospital certifies the death. Deaths are registered through the Danish civil registration system as applied in Greenland. Non-natural deaths require notification to and clearance from the Police of Greenland (Politiet i Grønland) before funeral arrangements proceed.
Register the death with the British Embassy, Copenhagen.
Step 2: Remote Settlement Transfer
Deaths outside Nuuk (Godthåb) or Kangerlussuaq may require helicopter, charter aircraft, or ship transfer to a settlement with mortuary facilities before international repatriation can be arranged. This is the most variable part of the timeline — Arctic weather can add days. Contact a specialist firm immediately to begin logistics planning.
Step 3: Obtain the Death Certificate and Translation
The death certificate is issued in Danish or Greenlandic. A certified English translation is required for the UK Coroner.
Step 4: Prepare the Documentation
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death certificate + certified English translation | UK Coroner and border requirements |
| Police of Greenland clearance | Required for non-natural deaths |
| Air Greenland or charter cargo documentation | Air transport |
| UK Coroner import notification | Required before the body enters the UK |
No cremation is available in Greenland. The body is repatriated for cremation in Denmark or the UK if required.
Step 5: Arrange the Flight
Air Greenland flights from Nuuk (GOH) or Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) to Copenhagen (CPH), then UK connections. Air Greenland operates limited weekly frequencies — schedule carefully and build in contingency for weather delays.
Step 6: Repatriation to the UK
On arrival in the UK, the body is received by a registered UK funeral director after UK Coroner confirmation.
For further guidance, read what happens when someone dies abroad or contact us directly.
Sources: FCDO Travel Advice, Greenland (last reviewed 2025); Danish Civil Registration System; Police of Greenland; Air Greenland; FCDO Consular Services Overview; British Embassy Copenhagen.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be .
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
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WhatsApp us nowReviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated May 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from · Frequently asked questions