Funeral Services

Funeral Repatriation in Melbourne

On Sum arranges repatriation worldwide and can receive the deceased into Australia for burial or cremation. We explain the documents, transport and timing.

International Arrangements

International repatriation requires coordination of documents, flights, mortuaries and the receiving organisation.

Repatriation Overseas

We arrange documents, mortuary care, transport, flights and local reception according to the destination's requirements.

Receiving into Australia

We receive the deceased into Australia and arrange burial, cremation or a farewell ceremony according to the family's wishes.

Documents and Permits

We arrange certificates, permits, translations and third-party documents according to the relevant authorities.

How We Arrange It

Call On Sum

Tell us what has happened, where your loved one is, and any initial wishes or faith requirements.

Confirm Your Wishes

We explain the available options for cremation or burial, religious and cultural needs, the venue, funeral products and timing.

Itemised Written Quote

Services, funeral products and third-party charges are itemised separately so the family can compare and confirm each item.

On-the-day Support

We arrange the staff, venue, family participation, music, photographs and ceremony details once the plan is confirmed.

Cross-border Arrangements

International repatriation requires additional time and documents. Tell us the country or city where the deceased is located and the intended destination.

We explain transport, documentation, mortuary, airline and destination charges in an itemised written quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Deceased Be Repatriated Overseas?

Yes. We arrange the documents, flights, mortuary and local reception according to the destination's requirements.

Can Someone Be Brought to Australia for Burial or Cremation?

Yes. We can receive the deceased from overseas and arrange burial, cremation or a farewell ceremony in Australia.

How Are Fees Quoted?

Services, transport, documents, air freight and third-party charges are itemised separately.

Discuss Funeral Arrangements

Call or email On Sum with the family's faith, important customs, preferred venue and current timing needs.

Repatriating a loved one from Melbourne

Tell On Sum the intended country and city, where your loved one is currently located, the main family contact, citizenship or passport information if available, and whether a receiving funeral director, cemetery or insurer is already involved. We can then identify which documents and local arrangements must be confirmed before an airline booking is requested.

The process may include a death certificate or medical documentation, export or consular papers, mortuary preparation, embalming where required, a sealed coffin or approved transport container, airline cargo acceptance and transfer to the receiving funeral provider. The destination authority and receiving provider determine what is accepted after arrival.

Bringing a loved one into Australia

The overseas funeral provider usually prepares the person for transport and supplies the available death, preparation and flight documents. An Australian funeral director receives the person after arrival and arranges local transport, care, cremation, burial and the funeral ceremony. Australia’s biosecurity and entry requirements must be checked for the particular case before departure.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry publishes requirements for importing human remains. The Victorian Department of Health also provides Victorian repatriation guidance. These official sources take priority over general website information.

Why timing and cost vary

Timing depends on medical or coroner release, document issue, consular or destination approval, mortuary preparation, airline capacity, weekends and public holidays, and the receiving provider’s availability. Costs can include local transfer, mortuary care, preparation, coffin or container, documents, consular fees, airline cargo, airport handling and the receiving funeral provider. Currency changes and airline charges may also affect the total.

On Sum provides an itemised written quote for the services we arrange and identifies third-party amounts or estimates. If travel insurance, a consulate, employer or community organisation may assist, tell us before the arrangements are confirmed so responsibilities can be recorded clearly.

Practical information for the family

Use the deceased person’s full legal name consistently across all documents.

Do not book passenger flights around an unconfirmed repatriation date.

Nominate one main family contact in Australia and one at the destination.

Confirm who will receive the person and arrange the funeral after arrival.

Keep passport, death and relationship documents available, but do not send identity documents through the public website form.

For urgent assistance, call 0421 793 263. For a non-urgent enquiry, use the secure contact page without attaching sensitive identity or medical documents.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026.

Victorian Repatriation Requirements

Documentation varies by destination and circumstances. The Victorian Department of Health explains when a repatriation letter may be requested, which supporting documents are generally required and where enquiries about bringing a deceased person into Australia should be directed. Read the official Victorian repatriation guidance.