Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Mongolia to Japan
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Repatriation from Mongolia to Japan: what to expect
Mongolia has one of the fastest-growing migrant communities in Japan, with over 20,000 Mongolian nationals registered as residents in 2024. Many Mongolians work in Japan's manufacturing, construction, and service sectors, and a significant number are engaged in professional and academic roles. Japan and Mongolia have maintained bilateral diplomatic relations since 1972, and cultural exchanges have grown steadily. Mongolian documentation requires certified Japanese translation. The Japanese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar handles consular matters. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Mongolian) (in Mongolian)
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the State Registration Authority (SRA) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Ulaanbaatar can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sogisha) takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days of arrival. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Japan has near-universal cremation; the remains (kotsuage) are presented to the family after cremation. All foreign documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Mongolia
Call 102 for police or 103 for ambulance. Death is certified by a licensed physician. Registration is required with the State Registration Authority (SRA). Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. In rural areas of Mongolia, access to medical facilities and civil registry services may be limited.
Step by step
Timeline: Mongolia to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in mongolian) obtained.
Death must be registered with the State Registration Authority (SRA). Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Ulaanbaatar 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 Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Mongolia to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Mongolia to Japan 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 State Registration Authority (SRA) promptly. Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Mongolian) 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 Japan Embassy in Ulaanbaatar can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Ulaanbaatar as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, accidental, or unexplained deaths may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke must be submitted to the local municipal office within seven days. A burial permit is required. Japan has near-universal cremation; remains are presented as kotsuage after the ceremony. All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Mongolia is available in Ulaanbaatar, though traditional burial is more common in rural areas. 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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If your loved one has died in Mongolia, 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 Japan.
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 Mongolia (gov.uk) · Mongolia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions