Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from China to Turkey
For families bringing someone home to Turkey. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from China to Turkey: what to expect
Chinese nationals in Turkey include tourists, business professionals, and workers in trade sectors, with Turkey sitting on the Belt and Road Initiative corridor linking China to European markets. China and Turkey have bilateral trade and investment ties, with the Istanbul textile and manufacturing sectors drawing Chinese business activity. Mandarin documentation from China requires certified Turkish translation for Turkish civil registry (belediye) purposes. The Turkish Embassy in Beijing handles consular matters. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, issued by Public Security Bureau)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- China generally requires cremation before international repatriation. Full body repatriation requires special Ministry of Civil Affairs permits.
- All documentation is issued in Mandarin and requires certified English translation.
- Turkey Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: China to Turkey
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Turkey: +90 312 292 2000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, issued by Public Security Bureau) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Public Security Bureau may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Turkey Embassy in Beijing 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Turkey
Once all documentation complete. Turkey cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Turkey funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
What happens after a death in China
Contact emergency services (110 (police), 120 (ambulance)). Death must be registered with the Public Security Bureau (PSB). The Public Security Bureau takes jurisdiction when the death is: unexpected, violent, or suspicious deaths require public security bureau investigation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from China to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from China to Turkey takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-12 weeks or longer.
China generally requires cremation before international repatriation. Full body repatriation requires special Ministry of Civil Affairs permits.
The core documents are: Si wang zheng ming shu (death certificate, certified English translation required), Public Security Bureau clearance, Ministry of Civil Affairs export permit (for full body repatriation), Cremation certificate (if cremation carried out in China), Embalming certificate (if full body repatriation). Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Turkey Embassy in Beijing can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey Embassy in Beijing as soon as possible after the death.
Unexpected, violent, or suspicious deaths require Public Security Bureau investigation. A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Turkish funeral director (cenaze firmasi) takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) cargo terminal. A transit certificate (transit belgesi) must accompany the remains. The municipality (belediye) registers the death. The Turkish Ministry of Health clearance is required. All foreign documents require certified Turkish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local municipal authorities.
China generally requires cremation before repatriation of remains. Full body repatriation is possible but requires special permits from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and is uncommon. Most families proceed with cremation in China and bring the ashes home to Turkey, which is simpler and faster.
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director (cenaze firmasi) takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) cargo terminal. A transit certificate (transit belgesi) must accompany the remains. The municipality (belediye) registers the death in the nufus mudurlugu (population directorate). The Turkish Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents not in Turkish require certified Turkish translation. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Turkish Embassy in Beijing can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +90 312 292 2000 (24 hours). The Turkish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in China, 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 Turkey.
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 China (gov.uk) · China repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions