Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Greece
For families bringing someone home to Greece. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Turkey to Greece: what to expect
Turkish nationals form a community in Greece, reflecting the complex bilateral relationship between the two countries. There is a Muslim minority in Greek Thrace with Turkish cultural ties, and Greek-Turkish business and tourism flows create a consistent repatriation corridor. Turkey and Greece are both NATO members with bilateral consular relations. Turkish documentation requires certified Greek translation for Greek civil registry purposes. The Greek Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key documents: Turkish death certificate (olum belgesi) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Embalming must be specifically arranged for repatriation.
- Post-mortem ordered by Turkish public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi) for sudden or unexplained deaths.
- Greece Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Turkey
Call 112 for emergency services. Unexpected deaths are referred to the public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi). Death registered at the nufus mudurlugu (civil registry office). The olum belgesi is issued in Turkish only. Certified English translation is required. No cremation facilities exist in Turkey.
Step by step
Timeline: Turkey to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Greece: +30 210 3681 000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at nufus mudurlugu. Olum belgesi issued.
Certificate in Turkish only. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
Greece Embassy in Ankara notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming arranged (specifically requested for repatriation)
Not standard for Turkish nationals. Must be specifically arranged.
Licensed local funeral director
All export permits obtained
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until public prosecutor authorises release.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Istanbul (IST/SAW), Ankara (ESB), or Antalya (AYT)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Turkey to Greece
In a straightforward case with no prosecutor involvement, repatriation from Turkey to Greece takes 7-10 days. Most cases take 10-21 days. Complex cases involving investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
There are effectively no cremation facilities in Turkey. If your family wishes to have the body cremated, this cannot be done in Turkey.
The core documents are: Olum belgesi (Turkish death certificate), certified English translation, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased.
The Greece Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Deaths in resort areas are handled locally, but embalming to international standards may need to be arranged in Antalya or via Istanbul. Your repatriation specialist will coordinate the right local provider. The overall process and timeline are the same.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Turkey, 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 Greece.
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 Turkey (gov.uk) · Turkey repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions