Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to the Netherlands
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Repatriation from Iraq to the Netherlands: what to expect
Iraqi nationals form part of the Netherlands' Middle Eastern diaspora community. This corridor handles cases where a Netherlands-based Iraqi has a family member die in Iraq and needs remains brought to the Netherlands. Arabic documentation requires certified Dutch or English translation.
- 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.
- Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Netherlands
When the body arrives in the Netherlands
The Dutch funeral director (begrafenisondernemer or uitvaartondernemer) takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Rotterdam The Hague (RTM) cargo terminal. The local gemeente (municipality) registers the death with the Burgerlijke Stand (civil registry). A transport permit (laissez-passer) must accompany the remains. Foreign documents in languages other than Dutch, English, French, or German require certified translation. (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Dutch Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Netherlands. Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +31 70 348 6486 (24 hours). The Dutch Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 the Netherlands as air cargo, where a receiving funeral director takes custody. Most cases take 3-6 weeks from the death to arrival in the Netherlands.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to the Netherlands
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of the Netherlands: +31 70 348 6486).
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
Netherlands 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 the Netherlands
Once all documentation complete. Netherlands cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Netherlands 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 the Netherlands
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to the Netherlands 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 Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Netherlands 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 Dutch funeral director takes custody at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local gemeente registers the death with the Burgerlijke Stand. Documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the gemeente and health authorities.
Cremation is not permitted under Iraqi 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 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 the Netherlands.
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