Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from India to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from India to Italy: what to expect
Indian nationals form a growing professional and academic community in Italy, with significant numbers in Milan, Rome, and Turin. This corridor handles cases where an Italy-based Indian has a family member die in India and needs remains brought to Italy. Documentation requires certified Italian translation.
- Key documents: Indian death certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local police
- Documentation takes 14-30 days minimum. Often 4-6 weeks.
- Post-mortem is frequently required: Indian police routinely order examinations for unexpected foreign national deaths.
- Italy Embassy in New Delhi can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
Key steps for repatriation from India
Contact local emergency services (112 in many states, 100 for police, 102/108 for ambulance). If death occurs outside hospital, police must be notified. Death must be registered with the local municipal authority within 21 days.
Step by step
Timeline: India to Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with local municipal authority within 21 days
Funeral director handles registration. Post-mortem ordered by police delays this.
Local funeral director and municipal authority
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming (urgent in Indian climate)
India's tropical climate requires urgent embalming.
Licensed local funeral director
Police NOC, health authority clearance, and all export documentation obtained
Allow 14-30 days minimum. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or relevant regional airport
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Italy funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in New Delhi can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from India to Italy
In a straightforward case, repatriation from India to Italy takes 4-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem or death in a smaller city can take 8-16 weeks or longer.
Indian police routinely order post-mortem examinations for unexpected deaths of foreign nationals. It is standard procedure. The post-mortem adds time and the body cannot be released until police issue the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The core documents are: Indian death certificate, Embalming certificate, Police No Objection Certificate (NOC), Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Italy Embassy in New Delhi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in New Delhi as soon as possible after the death.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in India and bringing the ashes home to Italy is an option. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and a No Objection Certificate from the local authorities.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in India, 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 Italy.
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 India (gov.uk) · India repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions