Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Iraq to Portugal
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Iraq to Portugal: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in Portugal include students, asylum seekers, and a small but growing community. Portugal has accepted Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers, and the country's relatively accessible integration pathways have made it a destination for Iraqi nationals seeking European residency. Arabic documentation from Iraq requires certified Portuguese translation for Conservatoria do Registo Civil purposes. The Portuguese Embassy in Baghdad handles consular matters. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 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.
- British Embassy in Baghdad registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region. Consular assistance in other parts of Iraq is severely limited.
- A consulate in Erbil covers the Kurdistan Region.
- Portugal Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Iraq
Contact emergency services (104 (police)). Death must be registered with the Civil registration office. The Police and judiciary takes jurisdiction when the death is: violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
Step by step
Timeline: Iraq to Portugal
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +351 21 394 67 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
Portugal 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 Portugal
Once all documentation complete. Portugal cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Portugal funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Portugal
When the body arrives in Portugal
The Portuguese agencia funeraria (funeral director) takes custody at Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) cargo terminal. An Autoridade de Saude (health authority) clearance is required before burial or cremation can proceed. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Portugal is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents from non-EU countries require certified Portuguese translation. (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MNE, 2025.)
Consular support
Portuguese Embassy in Baghdad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Portugal. Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) emergency assistance: +351 21 394 67 00 (24 hours). The Portuguese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Iraq to Portugal
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Iraq to Portugal takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 2-4 months or longer.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except the Kurdistan Region. 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 Portugal Embassy in Baghdad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Portugal Embassy in Baghdad 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 Portuguese funeral director takes custody at Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO) cargo terminal. The Autoridade de Saude issues clearance before burial or cremation. The Conservatoria do Registo Civil registers the death. Documents not in Portuguese require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not permitted under Iraqi 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 Iraq, 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 · Iraq repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions