Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to Switzerland
For families bringing someone home to Switzerland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Iran to Switzerland: what to expect
Iranian nationals form a notable diaspora community in Switzerland, concentrated in Zurich and Geneva, with a substantial presence since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran since 1980, giving Swiss embassies a unique diplomatic role in the Iran-US relationship. Farsi documentation from Iran requires certified translation into German, French, or Italian for Swiss Zivilstandsamt purposes. The Swiss 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 Switzerland 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 Switzerland as air cargo. A funeral director in Switzerland then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Switzerland: +41 800 24-7-365).
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
Switzerland 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 Switzerland
Once all documentation complete. Switzerland cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Tehran can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline for Swiss residents abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iran to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland 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 Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains on arrival. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the cantonal 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 Switzerland.
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