Death Certification Review Service: deaths abroad

Deaths outside the UK must be registered in the country where the person died.

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Repatriation process

Repatriation is bringing someone back to Scotland for burial or cremation after death when they die outwith the UK.

You need to have the following information before a body can be repatriated to Scotland after death abroad:

• a death certificate or equivalent document from the country where the death happened
• authorisation for the removal of the body from the country where the death happened

You cannot bury or cremate a person who has died abroad in Scotland without authorisation from us. We aim to approve repatriation to Scotland applications within five working days. However, in exceptional circumstances this may take longer.

How to apply

If you are the person applying for authorisation to bury or cremate, contact us as soon as possible.

• Phone: 0300 123 1898
• Email: his.dcrs@nhs.scot
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30 Monday to Friday

The funeral director or funeral arranger must send us:

• a completed application form
• a post-mortem examination application (if applicable)
• a completed declaration

You must also supply us with copies of:

• the death certificate (or equivalent) and/or certificate of registration of death (issued by the country where the person has died)
• passport of the deceased (or equivalent photographic identification)
• a completed Form A1 for cremations only (required for cremations only)
• any other relevant paperwork

The applicant should email electronic copies of these documents to us at his.dcrs@nhs.scot

Inquiries into fatal accidents and sudden deaths

If a Scottish resident dies outside the United Kingdom, the Lord Advocate may instruct a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI).

This will happen if the death:

• is sudden
• is suspicious
• is unexplained  
• occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern

If a death abroad falls into any of these categories, we must report it to the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU).

Please be aware this may add to the time it takes for repatriation approval.

Resources to support your application

• Deaths abroad application form (Form Y) – Application to allow burial or cremation in Scotland following the death abroad of a Scottish resident
• Declaration form – Declaration to be signed and submitted with Form Y
• Death abroad information leaflet – The role of the Death Certification Review Service when supporting repatriation
• Repatriation handy guide – The role of the Death Certification Review Service when supporting repatriation

If you have concerns around cause of death following a death abroad, contact us. We may be able help you arrange a postmortem. Call us on 0300 123 1898, or email us on his.dcrs@nhs.scot