Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to Norway
For families bringing someone home to Norway. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iran to Norway: what to expect
Iranian nationals form a significant community in Norway, concentrated in Oslo and Bergen. Norway received Iranian refugees across several waves from 1979 onward. This corridor handles cases where a Norway-based Iranian has a family member die in Iran and needs remains brought to Norway. The Norwegian Embassy in Tehran handles consular matters.
- 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 Norway acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
When someone dies in Iran, the death must be reported to the local emergency services on 115 and registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration. Obtaining the local death certificate typically takes 14-28 days, and it is this document that lets the rest of the process begin. If the death is treated as violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) takes jurisdiction, and a post-mortem may be needed before release. After the documentation is in order, the body is embalmed and placed in a zinc-lined coffin for international transport, then sent to Norway by air cargo. From death to arrival in Norway, most cases take 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to Norway
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Norway: +47 23 95 00 00).
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
Norway 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 Norway
Once all documentation complete. Norway cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Norway funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Norway
When the body arrives in Norway
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer or equivalent body transport document must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret (National Population Register) records the death. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member (EEA, not EU). Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. (Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Norwegian Embassy in Tehran can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Norway. Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +47 23 95 00 00 (24 hours). The Norwegian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to Norway
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to Norway 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 Norway Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Norway 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 Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret records the death. Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
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 Norway.
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