Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Pakistan to Switzerland
For families bringing someone home to Switzerland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Pakistan to Switzerland: what to expect
Pakistani nationals form a growing community in Switzerland, concentrated in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, working in healthcare, technology, and service industries. This corridor handles cases where a Switzerland-based Pakistani has a family member die in Pakistan and needs remains brought to Switzerland. Pakistani documentation requires certified German or French translation and typically takes several weeks.
- 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.
- Switzerland Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Pakistan to Switzerland
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
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Pakistan to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Pakistan to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Islamabad can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Islamabad as soon as possible after the death.
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains on arrival. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the cantonal authorities.
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Islamabad can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline for Swiss residents abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 Switzerland.
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