What to Do When Someone Dies in Portugal: Complete Guide for Expats [2026]

Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but dealing with a death in a foreign country adds layers of complexity — unfamiliar legal procedures, language barriers, and uncertainty about your options. If someone has died in Portugal and you need guidance in English, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step, from the first phone call to the final arrangements.

Portugal is home to over 100,000 foreign residents, with large expat communities in the Algarve, Lisboa, and Porto. Whether you are a long-term resident, a recent arrival, or a family member abroad trying to manage things remotely, this guide covers everything you need to know.

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1. The First 24 Hours: What to Do Immediately

When a death occurs, time is important but not as rushed as you might fear. Portugal generally allows several days before a funeral must take place. Here is what to do in the immediate aftermath.

If the Death Occurs at Home or in Public

If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Care Home

The process is simpler when a death occurs in a medical facility:

If the Death Is Unexpected or Suspicious

In cases of accident, suicide, or any unexplained death:

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2. Getting the Death Certificate

The death certificate (certidão de óbito) is the most important document you will need. Without it, nothing else can proceed — no funeral, no repatriation, no insurance claims.

How It Works

Where to Register

Documents Required for Registration

Getting the Certificate in English

The Portuguese death certificate is issued in Portuguese. For use abroad, you will need:

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3. Contacting Your Embassy or Consulate

Your embassy or consulate should be one of your first calls. They provide critical support including:

How to Find Your Embassy or Consulate

Most embassies are located in Lisboa, with some countries maintaining consulates in Porto and Faro (Algarve). Here is general guidance for the largest expat communities:

What the Embassy Will NOT Do

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4. Funeral Options in Portugal

You have two main choices: hold the funeral in Portugal or repatriate the body to the home country. Many expat families — especially long-term residents — choose a local funeral.

Burial in Portugal

Any person, regardless of nationality, can be buried in Portugal. You will need to:

Cremation in Portugal

Cremation is increasingly popular and generally less expensive than burial:

Cost Overview

Finding an English-Speaking Funeral Agency

This is critical. An agency that speaks your language will:

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5. Repatriation: Bringing the Body Home

If the family decides to repatriate the body to the home country, this is a more complex and expensive process.

The Repatriation Process

Repatriation Costs by Destination

The Cheaper Alternative: Repatriation of Ashes

Cremation in Portugal followed by repatriation of the ashes is 60-80% cheaper than repatriating the body:

Ashes can be carried in hand luggage on flights, accompanied by the cremation certificate and death certificate. Some airlines require a declaration from the funeral agency.

Learn more about repatriation services

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6. Legal Matters: Inheritance and Wills

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a death in Portugal requires attention to several important areas.

Inheritance Law in Portugal

Wills

Notarization and Legalization

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7. Financial Considerations

Funeral Subsidy from Segurança Social

If the deceased was registered with the Portuguese social security system (Segurança Social), the family may be entitled to a funeral subsidy (subsídio de funeral):

Travel Insurance Claims

If the deceased had travel insurance or the death occurred while travelling:

Bank Accounts and Financial Assets

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8. Regional Specifics

Algarve

The Algarve has Portugal's largest expat community, with an estimated 100,000+ foreign residents, predominantly British, Dutch, German, and French.

Find English-speaking agencies in the Algarve | Read our Algarve guide

Lisboa

Lisboa has a diverse international community with expats from all over the world.

Find English-speaking agencies in Lisboa | Read our Lisboa guide

Porto

Porto's expat community is smaller but growing:

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9. Complete Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have covered everything:

Immediate (Day 1)

Within 48 Hours

Within One Week

Within One Month

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a body be kept before the funeral in Portugal?

In Portugal, a body can be kept in a refrigerated mortuary for several days, typically up to 5-7 days without any issue. Extended storage is possible at a daily cost of approximately €20-€50. This gives families time to make arrangements, especially when coordinating internationally.

Can I arrange a funeral in Portugal from abroad?

Yes. A funeral agency in Portugal can handle everything on your behalf, communicating by phone and email. Your embassy can also assist with coordination. Sereneus can help you find and compare agencies remotely.

Do I need to come to Portugal in person?

Not necessarily for the funeral arrangements — an agency can manage this. However, for legal matters such as inheritance, your presence or a power of attorney (procuração) may be required.

Does the Portuguese government pay for funerals of foreigners?

The Portuguese state does not cover funeral costs for foreigners as a general rule. However, if the deceased was registered with Segurança Social, a funeral subsidy may be available. In exceptional cases of extreme hardship, social services may provide limited assistance.

Can ashes be scattered in Portugal?

Yes. In Portugal, ashes can be scattered at sea or in designated areas. Some municipalities have specific regulations, so check with the local câmara municipal (town hall).

How much does a simple cremation cost in Portugal?

A basic direct cremation (without ceremony) starts at approximately €800-€1,200. A standard cremation with a chapel ceremony typically costs €1,500-€2,500. See our detailed cost guide.

Is it legal to transport ashes on a plane?

Yes. Ashes can be transported in carry-on luggage. You will need the cremation certificate, death certificate, and a declaration from the funeral agency. It is advisable to check your specific airline's policy before travelling.

What happens if the deceased had no will?

Portuguese intestacy rules apply to assets in Portugal. Under Portuguese law, the estate is distributed among the spouse and children (or other heirs in a defined order). For foreign nationals, the situation may be complicated by the laws of their home country — legal advice is strongly recommended.

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Useful Resources

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Costs and procedures may vary. For specific cases, consult your embassy or consulate and a licensed funeral agency in Portugal.