Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Iran
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Repatriation from Germany to Iran: what to expect
German nationals in Iran include business professionals, academics, and individuals with bilateral ties reflecting Germany's historical trade relationship with Iran. The German Embassy in Tehran remains operational; families should contact it immediately after a death. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified Farsi translation and authentication by the Iranian Embassy in Berlin. Iran is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Iran Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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 Berlin 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.
The process
What happens after a death in Germany
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German. Police and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Germany is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Iran
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Iran Embassy in Berlin 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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Iran
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany 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 Standesamt (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (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 Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iran Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) 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 Germany 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 Germany, 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 Germany (gov.uk) · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions