International Repatriation

Compassionate repatriation services that bring your loved one home, no matter the distance.

The loss of a loved one abroad is an incredibly difficult experience, made more challenging by the complex logistics of returning the deceased to their home country. At North Star Funeral Services, we specialize in international repatriation services, guiding families through every administrative, legal, and logistical step with care, discretion, and expertise. Our dedicated team is available around the clock to ensure that your loved one is returned with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We have established relationships with funeral homes, embassies, consulates, and transportation providers around the world, enabling us to coordinate seamless repatriation from virtually any country. Whether repatriating a loved one to Canada or arranging for a deceased Canadian resident to be returned to their country of origin, we manage the entire process on your behalf.

What Is International Repatriation?

International repatriation refers to the process of transferring the remains of a deceased person from the country where death occurred to their home country or a country chosen by the family. This process involves obtaining the required documentation, coordinating with authorities in both countries, arranging appropriate transport, and ensuring compliance with all international regulations governing the transfer of human remains.

Our Repatriation Services Include

From the moment you contact us, we take full responsibility for every aspect of the repatriation process, including:

24/7 emergency assistance and first call coordination
Liaison with local authorities, embassies, and consulates in the country of death
Procurement of all required documentation, including death certificates, embalming certificates, and consular mortuary certificates
Professional embalming and preparation of the deceased in accordance with international transport standards
Provision of an approved zinc-lined transport casket or approved shipping container
Coordination with airlines and freight forwarders for the transportation of remains
Customs clearance and compliance with the regulations of both the country of departure and the destination country
Reception and transfer of the remains upon arrival in Montreal or abroad
Coordination of funeral or memorial services upon repatriation

Repatriation to Canada

If a family member has passed away while travelling or living abroad, we work swiftly to bring them home to Canada. Our team manages all communications with foreign authorities and Canadian consular services, ensuring that every document is in order and that transport is arranged with the utmost care. We keep the family informed at every stage of the process, providing peace of mind during an extraordinarily difficult time.

Repatriation from Canada

For families wishing to repatriate a loved one who passed away in Canada to their country of origin, we coordinate with funeral homes and authorities in the destination country to ensure a smooth and respectful transfer. We are familiar with the specific documentation and embalming requirements of countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

A Dedicated Point of Contact

We understand that navigating international repatriation during bereavement can feel overwhelming. That is why we assign a dedicated repatriation coordinator to each family, a single point of contact who handles all communications, answers your questions, and keeps you informed every step of the way. You will never have to navigate bureaucracy alone.

To begin the repatriation process or to learn more about our international services, please contact our team at any time. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.