Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Iran to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Iran to Ireland follows Iran's civil registration and export system. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from death to arrival.
- Key document: Persian death certificate from National Organisation for Civil Registration (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Irish Embassy in Ankara registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Irish nationals in difficulty should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line immediately: +353 1 408 2000.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for Irish acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
Repatriation from Iran begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 115, then registering the death with the National Organisation for Civil Registration and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 14-28 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni), which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Ireland as air cargo. A funeral director in Ireland then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Department of Foreign Affairs 24hr: +353 1 408 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Persian death certificate from National Organisation for Civil Registration (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration. Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Irish Embassy Ankara 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 14-28 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Ireland.
Once all documentation complete. Dublin Airport cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All documentation must be in certified English translation where required. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000 (24 hours). The Irish Embassy in Ankara covers Iran and can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to Ireland takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
Irish nationals in difficulty should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line immediately: +353 1 408 2000.
The core documents are: Persian death certificate (certified English translation required), Legal Medicine Organisation clearance, Exit permit from Iranian authorities, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
There is no resident Irish Embassy in Iran. Consular matters are handled by the Irish Embassy in Ankara. Call the Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line on +353 1 408 2000 (gov.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Iranian documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Cremation is not permitted under Iranian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Iran, 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 Ireland.
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 Iran (gov.uk) · Iran repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions