Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to Turkey
For families bringing someone home to Turkey. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Japan to Turkey: what to expect
Japanese nationals in Turkey include tourists, business professionals, and researchers. Japan and Turkey maintain bilateral diplomatic relations reflecting historical ties. Japanese documents (shibo todoke and koseki, in Japanese) require certified translation and authentication by the Turkish Embassy in Tokyo. Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for Japanese documents once translated. The Japanese Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters for Japanese nationals in Turkey. Allow additional time for Japanese-language document translation. (Turkish Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality, 2025.)
- Key document: shibo todoke-juri shomeisho (death registration receipt) and koseki (family register) (in Japanese)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local municipal office (kuyakusho or shiyakusho) civil registration section promptly.
- Turkey Embassy in Tokyo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. Death is certified by a physician, who issues a shindansho (medical certificate). The family files a shibo todoke (death notification) with the local municipal office (kuyakusho or shiyakusho) within 7 days. The koseki (family register) is updated to reflect the death. Police (keisatsu) and the public prosecutor (kensatsu) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Japan is a Hague Apostille Convention member. All Japanese-language documents require certified translation before submission to foreign authorities; allow additional time for translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to Turkey
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 110 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke-juri shomeisho (death registration receipt) and koseki (family register) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (kuyakusho or shiyakusho) civil registration section. Violent or unexplained deaths (keisatsu and kensatsu take jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Turkey Embassy in Tokyo 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 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Turkey
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Turkey funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal, or the relevant regional airport serving the destination city. Civil registration of deaths in Turkey is handled by the local Nufus Mudurlugu (Directorate of Civil Registration) under the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality (NUFUS). An olum belgesi (death certificate) is issued in Turkish. For Muslim remains, which account for the large majority of the Turkish population, Islamic law procedures apply and families expect prompt burial. Turkey is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other foreign documents require certified Turkish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
Turkish Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkey is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Japan to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to Turkey takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (kuyakusho or shiyakusho) civil registration section promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (keisatsu and kensatsu take jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shibo todoke-juri shomeisho (death registration receipt) and koseki (family register) 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 Turkey Embassy in Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (keisatsu and kensatsu take jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The local Nufus Mudurlugu registers the death; an olum belgesi is issued in Turkish. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and families expect prompt burial. Turkey is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All other documents require certified Turkish translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation is the predominant funeral practice in Japan and is widely available. A cremation certificate is required for export of ashes. For families of faiths that require burial, specialist coordination is needed as burial plots in Japan are limited. 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
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Japan, 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 Turkey.
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 Japan (gov.uk) · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions