Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Afghanistan to Denmark
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Repatriation from Afghanistan to Denmark: what to expect
Afghan nationals form a significant refugee and asylum community in Denmark, with many arriving during the 2015-2016 migration period and following the August 2021 Taliban takeover. Denmark has accepted Afghan humanitarian cases, and the Afghan diaspora in Denmark is now multi-generational in some communities. The Danish Embassy in Islamabad covers consular matters for Afghanistan. Afghan documentation requires certified Danish translation. Specialist support is recommended given documentation complexity from conflict-affected civil registration. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Death certificate (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- The Denmark Embassy in Islamabad can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish begravelsesforretning (funeral director) takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev (body transit certificate) must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Denmark is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Danish, English, or another major European language require certified Danish translation. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Danish Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +45 33 92 00 00 (24 hours). The Danish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Afghanistan
After a death in Afghanistan, the family should contact the local emergency services on 119 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Local civil registration authority, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Local authorities takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Denmark as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 4-8 weeks from the death to arrival in Denmark.
Step by step
Timeline: Afghanistan to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Denmark: +45 33 92 00 00).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Local civil registration authority. Local authorities may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Denmark Embassy in Islamabad notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Denmark
Once all documentation complete. Denmark cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Afghanistan to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Afghanistan to Denmark takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 3-6 months or longer.
The core documents are: Death certificate (certified English translation required), Local authority clearance, Exit permit, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Denmark Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Islamabad as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Danish begravelsesforretning takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Documents not in Danish or English require certified Danish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available in Afghanistan. Full body repatriation is the only option. Significant practical difficulties apply given the current situation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Afghanistan, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Denmark.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official government guidance (gov.uk) · Afghanistan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions