Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iran to the United Arab Emirates
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Repatriation from Iran to the 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.
- All documentation is in Persian and requires certified English translation for the United Arab Emirates acceptance.
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in the 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
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 the United Arab Emirates as air cargo. A funeral director in the United Arab Emirates then takes custody. The full process most often takes 3-6 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Iran to the United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own 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 the United Arab Emirates
Once all documentation complete. United Arab Emirates cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iran to the United Arab Emirates 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 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 require a post-mortem, which 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 the United Arab Emirates.
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