Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Contact British embassy/consulate immediately (24/7). Check travel insurance—often covers repatriation (£3,000-£7,000+). Local authorities investigate and certify death. Options: repatriation to UK (1-3 weeks), burial abroad (cheaper), or cremation abroad then return ashes. Obtain local death certificate, then register death in UK. Embassy guides but cannot pay costs.
Not sure if you need probate?
1 in 3 applications are sent back. In under 2 minutes, we'll tell you whether you need it and what to do next.
When someone dies abroad, time-sensitive actions are crucial:
British consular services will provide essential support:
Each country has different procedures, but typically you'll need:
You have several choices for what happens to your loved one:
Death abroad can be extremely expensive. Typical costs include:
If you cannot afford repatriation costs, contact the Foreign Office. They may be able to arrange a loan or put you in touch with charities that can help.
You must also register the death in the UK:
Timelines vary greatly depending on the country and circumstances:
Dealing with a death abroad is one of the most challenging situations you can face. The process takes time, costs money, and involves complex procedures. Be patient with yourself and the process. The British consular staff are experienced and will support you through each step.
1 in 3 probate applications are sent back.
Answer 5 questions in under 2 minutes. We'll tell you whether you need probate, which route to take, and the mistake most people make at this stage.
Free to check · 2 minutes · No account needed · £179 for your full probate pack