Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Pakistan to New Zealand
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Repatriation from Pakistan to New Zealand: what to expect
Pakistani nationals form part of New Zealand's South Asian community, working in professional and service sectors, with a significant population in Auckland. Pakistan and New Zealand have bilateral ties through the Commonwealth. Pakistani documentation in Urdu and Punjabi requires certified English translation where New Zealand Customs require it. The New Zealand High Commission in Islamabad handles consular matters.
- Key document: Pakistani death certificate (NADRA or Union Council issued) with certified English translation
- Documentation takes 14-30 days minimum. Urdu certificate requires certified translation.
- No cremation in Pakistan. All repatriations are full body.
- New Zealand Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Pakistan
Call 15 for police or 115 for ambulance. Unexpected deaths require police notification. Death registered with NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) or the local Union Council. The death certificate is in Urdu and requires certified English translation. Quality embalming is available in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore but limited in smaller cities.
Step by step
Timeline: Pakistan to New Zealand
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 NADRA or local Union Council. Certificate issued in Urdu.
Certified English translation required. Cannot begin process without it.
Local funeral director and NADRA
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. High Commission provides list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Quality embalming available in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore. Limited elsewhere.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 14-30 days minimum.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), or Lahore (LHE)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Pakistan to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Pakistan to New Zealand takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks.
Cremation is effectively unavailable in Pakistan. All repatriations must be full body repatriations. This applies regardless of the religion or wishes of the deceased.
Do not instruct a local funeral director independently.
The core documents are: Pakistani death certificate (NADRA-issued) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The New Zealand Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Islamabad as soon as possible after the death.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Islamabad can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Pakistan, 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 New Zealand.
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 Pakistan (gov.uk) · Pakistan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions