Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Chile to Switzerland
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Key facts
Repatriation from Chile to Switzerland: what to expect
Chilean nationals form a historically established community in Switzerland, including political refugees and their descendants who arrived in the 1970s, and subsequent economic migrants. Switzerland and Chile maintain bilateral ties. Spanish documentation from Chile requires certified German or French translation for Swiss authorities. The Swiss Embassy in Santiago handles consular matters.
- Key document: Certificado de defuncion (death certificate from Registro Civil e Identificacion)
- Documentation takes 5-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy in Santiago registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Chile is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- All Spanish-language documentation requires certified English translation for Switzerland acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Chile
After a death in Chile, the family should contact the local emergency services on 133 (police), 131 (ambulance) and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Registro Civil e Identificacion, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 5-7 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Switzerland as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 1-2 weeks from the death to arrival in Switzerland.
Step by step
Timeline: Chile to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +41 800 24-7-365.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificado de defuncion (death certificate from Registro Civil e Identificacion) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil e Identificacion. Fiscalia (Prosecutor's Office) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Switzerland Embassy in Santiago notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Switzerland
Once all documentation complete. Switzerland cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Santiago can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Chile to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Chile to Switzerland takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Chile is a Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Certificado de defuncion (certified English translation required), Fiscalia clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Switzerland Embassy in Santiago can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Santiago as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Swiss Bestatter takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation.
Cremation in Chile is available. Bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Certificado de defuncion, cremation certificate, and export documentation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Chile, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated July 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Chile repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions