Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Pakistan to Norway
For families bringing someone home to Norway. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Pakistan to Norway: what to expect
Pakistani nationals form Norway's second-largest immigrant community by origin country, with over 40,000 residents concentrated in Oslo. This is a well-established repatriation corridor with consistent demand. Pakistani documentation takes 10 to 21 days and requires certified Norwegian translation. The Norwegian Embassy 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.
- Norway 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 Norway
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
Norway funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Norway
When the body arrives in Norway
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer or equivalent body transport document must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret (National Population Register) records the death. Norway is a Hague Apostille Convention member (EEA, not EU). Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. (Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Norway. Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +47 23 95 00 00 (24 hours). The Norwegian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Pakistan to Norway
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Pakistan to Norway 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 Norway Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Norway Embassy in Islamabad as soon as possible after the death.
The Norwegian begravelsesbyraa (funeral director) takes custody at Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the coffin. The Folkeregisteret records the death. Documents not in Norwegian or English require certified Norwegian translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
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 Norway.
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