Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Italy
For families bringing someone home to Italy. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Turkey to Italy: what to expect
Turkish nationals form Italy's second-largest non-EU immigrant community, with over 300,000 residents working in trade, construction, and professional services across northern Italy, particularly in Milan and Turin. Turkey and Italy have close trade links and a long-standing bilateral relationship. Turkish documentation requires certified Italian translation for Italian civil registry purposes. The Italian Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters. (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 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.
- Italy Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Italy
When the body arrives in Italy
The Italian funeral director (impresa funebre) takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or another Italian international airport. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents must carry a certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe (civil registry). (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MAECI, 2025.)
Consular support
Italian Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Italy. Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) emergency line: +39 06 3691 3691 (24 hours). The Italian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Italy
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Italy: +39 06 3691 3691).
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
Italy 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
Italy 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 Turkey to Italy
In a straightforward case with no prosecutor involvement, repatriation from Turkey to Italy 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 Italy Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Italy Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
The Italian funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A prefettura transport authorisation is required before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents require certified Italian translation. The local commune registers the death with the anagrafe. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the prefettura and 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Italy.
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