Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Iran
For families bringing someone home to Iran. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Iran: what to expect
French nationals in Iran include business professionals, academics, and individuals with bilateral ties. The French Embassy in Tehran remains operational; families should contact it immediately after a death. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Farsi translation and authentication by the Iranian Embassy in Paris. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: acte de deces (death certificate) (in French)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Iran Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in France
Call 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, or 112 for the EU emergency number. Death is certified by a physician. The acte de deces is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Iran
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Iran Embassy in Paris 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Iran
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iran funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Iran
When the body arrives in Iran
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal, depending on the airline routing. Death registration is handled by the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR, Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval-e Keshvar). Death certificates are issued in Farsi (Persian). Iran is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
Iranian Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iran. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Iran
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Iran takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: acte de deces (death certificate) 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 Iran Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iran Embassy in Paris as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Iranian funeral director takes custody at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad International Airport (THR) cargo terminal. The National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR) registers the death; certificates are issued in Farsi. Iran is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iranian Embassy in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Farsi translation. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in France is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in France, 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 Iran.
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 France (gov.uk) · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions