Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to Japan
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Repatriation from Turkey to Japan: what to expect
Turkish nationals in Japan include students, professionals, and a small community of long-term residents. Japan and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1924, and bilateral ties have grown through trade, cultural exchanges, and growing tourism flows. Turkish documentation (olum belgesi) requires certified Japanese translation for the municipal office (shiyakusho) in Japan. The Japanese Embassy in Ankara handles consular matters. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: olum belgesi (death certificate, in Turkish) (in Turkish)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Ankara registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) promptly.
- Japan Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Japan
When the body arrives in Japan
The Japanese funeral director (sogisha) takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days of arrival. A burial permit is required before final disposition. Japan has near-universal cremation; the remains (kotsuage) are presented to the family after cremation. All foreign documents not in Japanese require certified Japanese translation. (Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Japanese Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Japan. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +81 3 3580 3311 (24 hours). The Japanese Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Turkey
Call 155 for police or 112 for ambulance. Death is certified by a physician. The olum belgesi (death certificate) is registered with the local nufus mudurlugu (population directorate). Police and the Cumhuriyet Savcilik (public prosecutor's office) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. All documentation is in Turkish and requires certified translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Turkey to Japan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +81 3 3580 3311.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Olum belgesi (death certificate, in turkish) obtained.
Death must be registered with the nufus mudurlugu (population directorate). Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Cumhuriyet Savcilik) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Japan Embassy in Ankara 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Japan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Japan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Turkey to Japan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Turkey to Japan takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the nufus mudurlugu (population directorate) promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Cumhuriyet Savcilik) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: olum belgesi (death certificate, in Turkish) 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 Japan Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Japan Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (Cumhuriyet Savcilik) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Japanese funeral director takes custody at Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Kansai (KIX) cargo terminal. The shibo todoke must be submitted to the local municipal office within seven days. A burial permit is required. Japan has near-universal cremation; remains are presented as kotsuage after the ceremony. All foreign documents require certified Japanese translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is not available in Turkey. Burial is the required final disposition. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Turkey, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Turkey repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions