Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Armenia to Greece
For families bringing someone home to Greece. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Armenia to Greece: what to expect
Greece and Armenia have one of the most historically deep bilateral relationships in the region, rooted in centuries of diaspora history and the Greek-Armenian communities of the eastern Mediterranean. Greek Armenians, Armenians with Greek citizenship or residency, and Armenians with family in Greece maintain strong ties across the two countries. Armenian documentation requires certified Greek translation for the Lixiarcheio (civil registry). The Greek Embassy in Yerevan handles consular matters. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Armenian) (in Armenian)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the State Registry Office (ZAGS) promptly.
- Greece Embassy in Yerevan can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Armenia
Call 101 for police or 103 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the State Registry Office (ZAGS). Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. All documentation is in Armenian and requires certified translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Armenia to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Greece: +30 210 3681 000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in armenian) obtained.
Death must be registered with the State Registry Office (ZAGS). Violent or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Greece Embassy in Yerevan 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Greece
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Yerevan can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Armenia to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Armenia to Greece takes 2-3 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the State Registry Office (ZAGS) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Armenian) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Greece Embassy in Yerevan can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Yerevan as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Armenia is available but limited. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Armenia, 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 Greece.
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 guidance on a death in Armenia (gov.uk) · Armenia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions