Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Turkey
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Repatriation from France to Turkey: what to expect
French nationals in Turkey include tourists, students, professionals, and a community with close bilateral ties through NATO membership and long-standing diplomatic relations. France and Turkey have maintained bilateral economic and diplomatic relations since Ottoman times. French death certificates (acte de deces, in French) require certified Turkish translation for the local nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) and authentication by the Turkish Embassy in Paris. (Turkish 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.
- Turkey Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The receiving nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) registers the incoming death documentation. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Cremation is not available for Muslim remains in Turkey; burial is required. All foreign documents not in Turkish require certified Turkish translation. Authentication by the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Turkish Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +90 312 292 2000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 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. 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
Turkey 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 Turkey
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Turkey funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Turkey takes 3-7 days. The fastest cases complete in 2-5 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 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 Turkey Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey 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 Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) registers the incoming documentation. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Cremation is not available for Muslim remains; burial is required. All foreign documents require certified Turkish translation and authentication by the Turkish Embassy in the origin country. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 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 France (gov.uk) · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions