Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Ireland
For families bringing someone home to Ireland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Turkey to Ireland: what to expect
Repatriation from Turkey to Ireland follows Turkey's civil registration system. There are no cremation facilities in Turkey, so all repatriations are full body. The olum belgesi is issued in Turkish only and requires certified English translation.
- Key document: Olum belgesi (Turkish death certificate) with certified English translation
- No cremation facilities in Turkey. All repatriations must be full body.
- Embalming must be specifically arranged as it is not standard Turkish practice.
- Public prosecutor (cumhuriyet savcisi) takes jurisdiction for unexpected deaths.
The process
What happens after a death in Turkey
Contact emergency services (112). 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 Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Ankara: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
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
Irish Embassy Ankara notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming arranged (must be specifically requested)
Not standard for Turkish nationals. Must be specifically arranged for Irish repatriation.
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) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete. Turkish Airlines operates IST-DUB direct.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Turkish documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Ankara can register the death and advise.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Turkey to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Turkey to Ireland takes 7-10 days. Most cases take 10-21 days. Complex cases involving prosecutor investigation can take 4-8 weeks.
There are effectively no cremation facilities in Turkey. All repatriations from Turkey to Ireland must be full body repatriations. This applies regardless of the religion or wishes of the deceased.
The core documents are: olum belgesi (Turkish death certificate) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased.
The Irish Embassy in Ankara can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Turkish documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner is involved only where the death abroad was unnatural, and may then order a post-mortem.
Resort area deaths in Antalya, Bodrum, and Marmaris are handled locally. Embalming to international standards may need to be coordinated via Istanbul. 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 Ireland.
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