Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to Denmark
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Repatriation from Iraq to Denmark: what to expect
Iraqi nationals form a significant community in Denmark, with many families arriving as refugees and asylum seekers during the 1990s Gulf War period, the 2003 post-invasion displacement, and the 2014-2015 IS crisis. The Danish Embassy in Baghdad handles consular matters. Arabic documentation from Iraq requires certified Danish translation for Danish civil registry purposes. Specialist support is recommended for Iraq to Denmark repatriation given documentation complexity from conflict-affected civil registration. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Arabic death certificate from civil registration office (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 14-28 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Consular assistance in other parts of Iraq is severely limited.
- A consulate in Erbil covers the Kurdistan Region.
- Denmark Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iraq
After a death in Iraq, the family should contact the local emergency services on 104 (police) and have the death formally certified. It is then registered with the Civil registration office, and a local death certificate issued, which usually takes 14-28 days. Where a death is violent, suspicious or unexplained, the Police and judiciary takes jurisdiction and may order a post-mortem before the body can be released. Once the paperwork is complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and flown to Denmark as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from the death to arrival in Denmark.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to Denmark
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Denmark: +45 33 92 00 00).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Arabic death certificate from civil registration office (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil registration office. Police and judiciary may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Denmark Embassy in Baghdad 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 Denmark
Once all documentation complete. Denmark cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark 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 Iraq to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to Denmark takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
Consular assistance in other parts of Iraq is severely limited.
The core documents are: Arabic death certificate (certified English translation required), Police clearance, Exit permit from Iraqi authorities, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Denmark Embassy in Baghdad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark Embassy in Baghdad 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 Danish begravelsesforretning takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Documents not in Danish or English require certified Danish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not permitted under Iraqi law. Full body repatriation is the only option.
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish begravelsesforretning (funeral director) takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) cargo terminal. A ligfølgebrev (body transit certificate) must accompany the remains. The civil registry records the death. Denmark is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Danish, English, or another major European language require certified Danish translation. (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Danish Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +45 33 92 00 00 (24 hours). The Danish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Iraq, 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 Denmark.
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 Iraq (gov.uk) · Iraq repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions