Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Saudi Arabia to Japan
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Saudi Arabia to Japan: what to expect
Saudi Arabian nationals in Japan include students, professionals, and a growing community reflecting bilateral energy and investment ties. Japan imports a significant share of its oil from Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Vision 2030 has brought increased numbers of Saudi students and professionals to Japan. Arabic-language Saudi documentation requires certified Japanese translation and authentication through the Japanese Embassy in Riyadh before submission to the municipal office (shiyakusho). (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in Arabic) (in Arabic)
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Riyadh registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the Ministry of Interior civil affairs department promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Riyadh can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Saudi Arabia
Call 999 for police or 911 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The death is registered with the local Ministry of Interior civil affairs department. The Public Prosecution takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. All documentation is in Arabic and requires certified translation. Saudi Arabia's climate requires prompt embalming.
Step by step
Timeline: Saudi Arabia to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +81 3 3580 3311.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate (in arabic) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Ministry of Interior civil affairs department. Violent or unexplained deaths (Public Prosecution) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Riyadh 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 5-14 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
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 Riyadh 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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Saudi Arabia to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Saudi Arabia to Japan takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-10 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Ministry of Interior civil affairs department promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Public Prosecution) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate (in Arabic) 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 Riyadh can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Riyadh as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Public Prosecution) 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 is not available in Saudi Arabia. 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
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Saudi Arabia, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Saudi Arabia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions