Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to New Zealand
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Repatriation from Iran to New Zealand: what to expect
Iranian nationals in New Zealand include students and professionals, with New Zealand being one of the destinations for Iranian-born skilled migrants. New Zealand maintains an Embassy in Tehran and the Iranian Embassy in Wellington covers Iranian interests. Farsi-language Iranian documentation requires certified English translation. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member; Iranian documents will need to be authenticated before use. Families should be aware that the FCDO advises against travel to Iran. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Farsi) (in Farsi (Persian))
- Documentation takes 7-21 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Tehran registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval (Civil Registration Organization) promptly.
- New Zealand Embassy in Tehran can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand (BDM) registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in English require certified translation. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Tehran can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
Call 110 for police or 115 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval (Civil Registration Organization). The judiciary takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. The FCDO advises against travel to Iran, and consular access is limited; British interests in Iran are represented by the Swedish Embassy in Tehran.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +64 4 439 8000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in farsi) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval (Civil Registration Organization). Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (judiciary) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
New Zealand 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 7-21 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to New Zealand
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to New Zealand takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 3-6 months or longer.
Death must be registered with the Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval (Civil Registration Organization) promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (judiciary) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Farsi) 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 New Zealand Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Tehran as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (judiciary) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. BDM registers the death. A burial or cremation certificate is required before final disposition. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member. Documents not in English require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available for Muslim remains in Iran. Non-Muslim families face very limited options. 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
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If your loved one has passed away in Iran, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Iran repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions