Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to Japan
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Repatriation from Iran to Japan: what to expect
Iranian nationals form a professional and student community in Japan, concentrated in Tokyo and other major cities. Japan and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations and bilateral trade ties, including historical energy trade. Farsi documentation requires certified Japanese translation for Japanese municipal koseki (family register) purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Tehran handles consular matters. Iran to Japan is a specialist corridor where the Japanese funeral director can advise on health and customs clearance requirements. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, 2025.)
- 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.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for Japan acceptance.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sosogiya) takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Kansai International (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality (shi/ku/cho/son) registers the death in the koseki (family register). A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulations apply to the import of human remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Tehran can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
After a death in Iran, the family should contact the local emergency services on 115 and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Japan as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from the death to arrival in Japan.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
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
Japan Embassy in Tehran 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 Japan
Once all documentation complete. Japan cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to Japan takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
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.
The Japan Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Tehran as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality registers the death in the koseki. A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the municipal office and health authorities.
Cremation is not permitted under Iranian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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