The time limit for burying or cremating someone in France used to be 6 days not including Sundays or public holidays. This has now been amended and from 10th of July this year the time delay is now 14 days, including Sundays and public holidays.
Under certain circumstances these time limits may be waived at the discretion of the local Préfecture to a maximum of 21 days following the death.
If someone dies abroad and their body is brought back to be buried or cremated in France then the 14 day deadline begins on the day the body arrives in mainland France.
If the death is deemed suspicious or forensic intervention is needed to determine the cause of death then the 14 days begin after the authorisation for burial is given by the public prosecutor.
For more information on procedures to follow when someones dies, see the following links …
*Please note that you cannot use the UK “Tell Us Once” service if you are resident in another country.
If you have recently been bereaved and would like one of our Service Providers to help you with the administration, please write to FBN at info@franco-british-network.com