Has a family member died abroad? Learn which documents families may need, including death certificates, passports, insurance records, medical reports, translations and legalisation.

When a family member dies abroad, documents may be needed for local authorities, funeral arrangements, repatriation, insurance, banks, inheritance, travel and UK records. This can feel overwhelming, especially when documents are in another language or need to be used in more than one country.

The exact paperwork depends on where the death occurred, the circumstances and whether the person will be buried, cremated or repatriated.

Start with local authorities

The first documents are usually issued or arranged in the country where the death occurred. Local police, doctors, hospitals, registry offices, funeral directors or consular staff may be involved.

Ask for written guidance on:

• How the death is registered locally
• Which certificate is issued
• Whether a medical certificate is needed
• Whether police involvement is required
• Whether documents need translation
• Whether documents can be used in the UK
• How to obtain extra certified copies

Keep every official paper you receive.

Local death certificate

A local death certificate is usually the main document families need after a death abroad. It may be required for funeral arrangements, repatriation, insurance, banks and UK records.

Check whether the certificate shows:

• Full name
• Date of death
• Place of death
• Cause of death, if included
• Registration details
• Issuing authority
• Signature
• Stamp or seal

Ask for multiple official copies if possible.

Medical certificate or hospital report

A medical certificate or hospital report may be issued before the local death certificate. This can be important for registration, insurance or repatriation.

Useful medical documents may include:

• Medical certificate of death
• Hospital report
• Doctor’s letter
• Cause of death certificate
• Post-mortem report, if applicable
• Medical invoices
• Treatment records
• Discharge or emergency notes

Keep original documents and request translations if needed.

Police report

A police report may be needed if the death involved an accident, crime, sudden death, road incident, missing person case or other investigation.

Ask for:

• Police report
• Incident reference number
• Officer or station details
• Accident report
• Witness details, if available
• Official stamped copy
• Translation, if needed

Insurance companies may ask for this document.

Passport and identity documents

The passport and identity documents of the person who died may be needed by local authorities, airlines, funeral directors, insurers and UK bodies.

Important documents include:

• Passport
• Passport copy
• Visa or residence permit
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• National ID card, if held
• Proof of address

Keep copies before any original passport is taken by an authority.

Travel insurance documents

Travel insurance can be important for repatriation, medical bills, funeral costs, cancellation claims and family travel.

Keep:

• Policy number
• Insurance certificate
• Emergency assistance contact
• Claim form
• Medical reports
• Death certificate
• Police report, if applicable
• Receipts and invoices
• Flight and accommodation records
• Repatriation documents

Contact the insurer early, as they may need to approve arrangements.

Funeral or repatriation documents

If the person will be buried, cremated or repatriated, funeral documents may be required.

These may include:

• Funeral director agreement
• Repatriation authorisation
• Embalming certificate
• Certificate for transport of remains
• Coffin sealing certificate
• Cremation certificate
• Burial permit
• Airline cargo documents
• Consular documents
• Local authority permits

The funeral director or repatriation provider should confirm what is needed.

Documents proving family relationship

Families may need to prove next of kin or authority to act.

Useful documents include:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Child’s birth certificate
• Adoption certificate
• Civil partnership certificate
• Deed poll
• Divorce document
• Previous passport
• Power of attorney, if relevant
• Court order, if relevant

These documents may need translation or legalisation for local authorities.

Will and probate documents

If the person had assets, bank accounts, property or inheritance matters abroad, legal documents may be needed.

These may include:

• Will
• Grant of probate
• Letters of administration
• Power of attorney
• Property documents
• Bank account details
• Tax records
• Company documents
• Beneficiary identity documents
• Family relationship evidence

An overseas lawyer or notary can confirm the exact requirements.

Translation requirements

Documents issued abroad may need translation for use in the UK. UK documents may also need translation for local overseas authorities.

Translation may be needed for:

• Death certificate
• Medical certificate
• Police report
• Funeral documents
• Court documents
• Insurance papers
• Birth or marriage certificates
• Probate documents

Check whether certified or sworn translation is required.

Legalisation requirements

Some documents may need legalisation before they can be accepted in another country. Legalisation confirms the authenticity of the signature, stamp or seal on the document.

This may apply to:

• Death certificates
• Medical certificates
• Court documents
• Probate documents
• Powers of attorney
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Notarial documents

Ask the relevant authority whether legalisation or embassy attestation is required.

Extra copies and secure storage

After a death abroad, the same document may be needed by several organisations. It can help to request extra official copies early.

Documents may be needed by:

• Funeral director
• Insurer
• Bank
• Pension provider
• Airline
• Employer
• Probate office
• Overseas lawyer
• Local registry office
• UK authorities

Keep scans and paper copies organised.

Checklist after a death abroad

Families may need:

• Local death certificate
• Medical certificate or hospital report
• Police report, if applicable
• Passport and identity documents
• Travel insurance policy
• Funeral or repatriation paperwork
• Birth or marriage certificates
• Next-of-kin evidence
• Will or probate documents
• Certified translations or legalised documents

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these mistakes after a death abroad:

• Leaving without official copies
• Not getting translations where needed
• Forgetting police or medical reports
• Not contacting the insurer early
• Sending originals without keeping copies
• Losing receipts and invoices
• Assuming local documents will be accepted in the UK without translation
• Forgetting family relationship evidence
• Not checking repatriation document requirements
• Delaying probate or inheritance paperwork

Final thoughts

After a death abroad, families may need documents for local registration, funeral arrangements, repatriation, insurance, inheritance and UK records. The most important documents are usually the local death certificate, medical or police reports, passport, insurance records and family relationship evidence.

Ask local authorities, the funeral director, insurer or overseas lawyer for a clear checklist. Keep official copies, request translations where needed and check whether any documents require legalisation before they are used in another country.

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