Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Pakistan
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Repatriation from Italy to Pakistan: what to expect
Italy hosts one of the largest Pakistani diaspora communities in southern Europe, concentrated in cities including Rome, Milan, Turin, and Brescia. Pakistani nationals work across agriculture, hospitality, textiles, and manufacturing. The Pakistani Embassy in Rome is fully operational. When a Pakistani national dies in Italy and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Pakistan, the death is registered with the local comune (civil registry). The atto di morte requires certified Urdu or English translation. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille member; Italian documents require full authentication by the Pakistani Embassy in Rome. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; Italian Ministry of Interior, 2025.)
- Key document: atto di morte (death certificate) (in Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Rome registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly.
- Pakistan Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Pakistan
When the body arrives in Pakistan
The Pakistani funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB), Jinnah International Airport Karachi (KHI), or Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore (LHE), depending on the final destination. NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) processes civil registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is required; a burial permit from the relevant health authority is needed before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified translation. Pakistan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication is required. Authentication by the Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin is required. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Pakistan. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Call 112 for the EU emergency number, 118 for ambulance, or 113 for police. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local comune (civil registry office). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1978).
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Pakistan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 (EU emergency) or 118 (ambulance) or 113 (police) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Pakistan Embassy in Rome 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Pakistan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Pakistan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Pakistan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Pakistan takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: atto di morte (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Pakistan Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Pakistan Embassy in Rome as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Pakistani funeral director takes custody at Islamabad International (ISB), Jinnah International Karachi (KHI), or Allama Iqbal Lahore (LHE) cargo terminal. NADRA processes civil registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is required. A burial permit from the relevant health authority is needed before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified translation. Pakistan is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Pakistani High Commission or Embassy in the origin country is required.
Cremation in Italy is available at approved facilities in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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 · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions