Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Spain to Turkey
For families bringing someone home to Turkey. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Spain to Turkey: what to expect
Spanish nationals in Turkey include tourists, students, and professionals. Spain and Turkey have bilateral diplomatic and trade relations within NATO and EU-Turkey frameworks. Spanish death certificates (certificado de defuncion, in Spanish) require certified Turkish translation for the local nufus mudurlugu and authentication by the Turkish Embassy in Madrid. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: certificado de defuncion (death certificate) (in Spanish)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry) promptly.
- Turkey Embassy in Madrid can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Spain
Call 112 for the unified emergency number or 091 for the national police. Death is certified by a physician. The certificado de defuncion is registered with the local Registro Civil. The Juzgado de Guardia (duty magistrate's court) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Spain is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Spain to Turkey
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Turkey: +90 312 292 2000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Certificado de defuncion (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Guardia) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Turkey Embassy in Madrid 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 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Turkey
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Turkey funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The receiving nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) registers the incoming death documentation. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Cremation is not available for Muslim remains in Turkey; burial is required. All foreign documents not in Turkish require certified Turkish translation. Authentication by the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Turkish Embassy or Consulate in Madrid can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +90 312 292 2000 (24 hours). The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Spain to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Spain to Turkey takes 3-7 days. The fastest cases complete in 2-5 days. Complex cases can take 2-4 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Registro Civil (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Guardia) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: certificado de defuncion (death certificate) 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 Turkey Embassy in Madrid can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey Embassy in Madrid as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Juzgado de Guardia) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Turkish funeral director takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) cargo terminal. The nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) registers the incoming documentation. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Cremation is not available for Muslim remains; burial is required. All foreign documents require certified Turkish translation and authentication by the Turkish Embassy in the origin country. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation in Spain is widely available. 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. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Spain, 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 Turkey.
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 Spain (gov.uk) · Spain repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions