Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to United Arab Emirates
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246Key facts
Repatriation from Iran to United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Iranian nationals form one of the UAE's largest non-Arab expatriate communities, with a significant presence in Dubai's Deira and Bur Dubai districts. The UAE and Iran restored full diplomatic relations in 2023, and the UAE Embassy in Tehran resumed normal operations. All documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in Tehran. Arabic and Persian are both relevant on this corridor. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 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.
- British Embassy in Tehran registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- UK-Iran relations are strained. British nationals in difficulty should contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Tehran can advise. They cannot fund repatriation.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for United Arab Emirates acceptance.
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral home or government mortuary takes custody at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and authenticated by UAE authorities. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy in Tehran handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Iran for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
The process
What happens after a death in Iran
Contact emergency services (115). Death must be registered with the National Organisation for Civil Registration. The Legal Medicine Organisation (Pezeshki Qanuni) takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or contact UAE Embassy in origin country.
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
United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates
Once all documentation complete. United Arab Emirates cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to United Arab Emirates takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
UK-Iran relations are strained. British nationals in difficulty should contact the contact UAE Embassy in origin country immediately: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
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 United Arab Emirates Embassy in Tehran can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Tehran as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths A post-mortem adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The UAE funeral home takes custody at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required. All documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Islamic remains require certification for Islamic burial; non-Islamic remains follow separate procedures.
Cremation is not permitted under Iranian law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
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