Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Sri Lanka to Japan
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Repatriation from Sri Lanka to Japan: what to expect
Sri Lankan nationals form a growing community in Japan, working in hospitality, food service, construction, and professional sectors. Japan has expanded its Specified Skilled Worker scheme to include Sri Lankan workers in priority industries. Sinhala and Tamil documentation requires certified Japanese translation for municipal koseki purposes. The Japanese Embassy in Colombo handles consular matters. Sri Lanka to Japan is a consistent labour migration corridor that has expanded in recent years.
- Key documents: Death certificate (with certified English translation) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 7-14 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Japan Embassy in Colombo can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Sri Lanka
Contact police (119) or ambulance (110). Deaths must be certified by a registered medical practitioner. Unexpected deaths require police notification. Death registered at the local Registrar General's Department. The death certificate is issued in Sinhala with an English translation available.
Step by step
Timeline: Sri Lanka to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Japan: +81 3 3580 3311).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at Registrar General's Department
Death certificate in Sinhala. Certified translation required for use in Japan.
Local funeral director and Registrar General
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
Embalming required for international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 7-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan 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 Sri Lanka to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Sri Lanka to Japan takes 14-28 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: Death certificate (with certified English translation), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Japan Embassy in Colombo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Colombo as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality registers the death in the koseki. A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the municipal office and health authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Sri Lanka and bringing the ashes home to Japan is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight from Colombo.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sosogiya) takes custody at Narita International (NRT) or Kansai International (KIX) cargo terminal. The municipality (shi/ku/cho/son) registers the death in the koseki (family register). A sanitised coffin certificate and laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulations apply to the import of human remains. Documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MOFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Colombo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese 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 Sri Lanka, 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 Japan.
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 Sri Lanka (gov.uk) · Sri Lanka repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions