Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Turkey to the United Arab Emirates
For families bringing someone home to the United Arab Emirates. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Turkey to the United Arab Emirates: what to expect
Turkish nationals form a professional and business community in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This corridor handles cases where a UAE-based Turkish national has a family member die in Turkey and needs remains brought to the UAE. The UAE Embassy in Ankara handles document attestation.
- 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.
- United Arab Emirates Embassy in Ankara can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In United Arab Emirates
When the body arrives in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE funeral home or government mortuary takes custody at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi International (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documentation must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and authenticated by UAE authorities. (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, 2025.)
Consular support
UAE Embassy in Ankara handles attestation of repatriation documents. Contact the UAE Embassy in Turkey for document authentication requirements. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) can be reached via the UAE Embassy during business hours.
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 the United Arab Emirates
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
United Arab Emirates 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
United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates
In a straightforward case with no prosecutor involvement, repatriation from Turkey to the United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates Embassy in Ankara can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Ankara as soon as possible after the death.
The UAE funeral home takes custody at Dubai (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH) cargo terminal. UAE Ministry of Health clearance is required. All documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Islamic remains require certification for Islamic burial; non-Islamic remains follow separate procedures.
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 the United Arab Emirates.
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