The Algarve alone is home to tens of thousands of British residents, and Portugal remains one of Britain's favourite places to holiday and to retire. When a death happens there, the family faces the Conservatória, the delegado de saúde and, sometimes, the judicial system — in Portuguese. We take all of it over, from the first call.
What the service includes
- Collection anywhere in mainland Portugal — from the hospital, the morgue or the local agência funerária.
- Every Portuguese formality — the death registration at the Conservatória, health and embalming certificates, the international transport permit, and the judicial release where a court is involved.
- Regulation coffin certified for international transport, included in the fixed price.
- The journey to the UK — by road through Spain and France with our own fleet, one continuous journey with confirmations along the way.
- Delivery to your chosen UK funeral director, with the arrival window confirmed in advance.
Insurance, checked first
Deaths during insured travel are often covered for repatriation — we can liaise with the insurer directly. For residents without cover, the family receives one fixed, final price for the complete journey before anything begins.
Madeira and the Azores
The islands need a different arrangement than our usual road journey — call us and we will tell you honestly what is possible for your situation, and at what fixed cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does repatriation from Portugal to the UK cost?
It depends on the region and the UK destination, and is quoted as a fixed, final figure on the first call — collection, Portuguese formalities, the regulation coffin and the journey all included, with nothing added later.
How long does repatriation from Portugal take?
Portuguese paperwork typically takes several days. Once released, the journey to the UK is completed within two to three days by road, with the arrival confirmed to your receiving funeral director in advance.
Who registers the death in the UK?
The death is registered in Portugal, where it happened; the Portuguese certificate (with certified translation) serves for UK purposes and can also be recorded with the UK authorities. We prepare the complete file for the family.