Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates
For families bringing someone home to the United Arab Emirates. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Nigerian nationals form a growing professional and business community in the UAE. This corridor handles cases where a UAE-based Nigerian has a family member die in Nigeria and needs remains brought to the UAE. Documentation requires attestation by the UAE Embassy in Abuja.
- Key document: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued, in English)
- Documentation takes 14-30 days. State-level variation applies.
- Police report required for unexpected or unattended deaths.
- United Arab Emirates Embassy in Abuja can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Nigeria
Contact the police (199 or 112) for unexpected deaths. A doctor must certify the death. Death registered with the state civil registration office. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own procedures. Documentation is in English throughout. Lagos handles the majority of international cargo flights.
Step by step
Timeline: Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with state civil registration office. Death certificate issued.
Documentation in English. State-level processing times vary.
Local funeral director and state authority
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation. Quality variable outside Lagos and Abuja.
Licensed local funeral director
Police report (if required) and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days. Police report required for unexpected deaths.
Local funeral director and authorities
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
United Arab Emirates funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral home or government mortuary takes custody at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and authenticated by UAE authorities. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy in Abuja handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Nigeria for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases involving police investigation or death in a remote state can take 6-12 weeks.
The core documents are: Nigerian death certificate (state-issued), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased. Documentation is in English throughout.
The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Abuja can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Abuja as soon as possible after the death.
Yes. Nigeria has 36 states and the FCT, each with its own civil registration office. Lagos and Abuja have more experienced international funeral providers and faster processing. Deaths in more remote states take longer.
The UAE funeral home takes custody at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required. All documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Islamic remains require certification for Islamic burial; non-Islamic remains follow separate procedures.
Yes. Cremation in Nigeria and bringing the ashes home to the United Arab Emirates is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Nigeria, 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 United Arab Emirates.
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 Nigeria (gov.uk) · Nigeria repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions