A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The final price depends on the city of departure in Iran, the certification and translation fees, and the airline routing to the UK. We confirm a firm quote at first contact.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
Bringing a loved one home from Iran is a long-haul journey with more paperwork than a route within Europe, but it is a well-trodden path and we manage it from beginning to end. The process brings together the formalities of the Iranian authorities where the death occurred, the certification and legalisation of documents for use in the UK, and the receiving arrangements here at home. We coordinate the whole process across the time difference and the language, so the family does not have to deal with Iranian offices, translators or airlines directly. If you are just starting, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Because Iran is not part of the European Union, there is no multilingual EU death certificate. The Iranian documents are issued in Farsi and are certified and translated by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; where a UK document is required it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iranian embassy. This certification is the main factor in the timeline. We are also mindful that many families wish to observe Islamic tradition, which favours a swift burial, and we discuss the practical implications sensitively and early.
The death is first registered locally. The National Organization for Civil Registration (Sazman-e Sabt-e Ahval) issues the official Iranian death certificate (گواهی فوت). The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs then certifies and translates the certificate, and the British Embassy provides a no-objection-to-repatriation letter, which is relayed to the Iranian authorities. The deceased is prepared for transport with embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates. We obtain these on the family's behalf.
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, transport-standard coffin, with certificates of embalming and freedom from infection issued for the flight. Because of the distance, the journey is made by air freight from Tehran to a UK airport. Our team collects the deceased, arranges carriage as documented cargo, and manages the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. A burial can generally proceed on the strength of the Iranian death certificate and its certified translation. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using the Cremation Form 6, once satisfied that no further investigation is needed (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. Cremation is uncommon in Iran and contrary to Islamic practice, so most families we assist plan a burial; we liaise with the coroner's office in either case so the receiving arrangements are ready when the deceased arrives.
A repatriation from Iran typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,400 km by air. The main factors are how quickly the death is registered, the certification and translation of the documents by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Embassy no-objection letter, and flight availability from Tehran to a UK airport. Where a death is sudden or unexplained and referred for examination, release can take longer.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We confirm a firm quote at first contact, with no hidden costs. The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death. The final figure depends on the city of departure in Iran, the certification and translation fees, and the airline routing to the UK. A UK estate, travel insurance or a life-insurance policy may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We manage the Iranian formalities, the certification and translation, the airline logistics and the UK reception as one coordinated process, across the time difference and the language, keeping the family informed at every stage and remaining contactable 24/7.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
The deceased travels with the Iranian death certificate and its certified English translation, both certified by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a no-objection-to-repatriation letter from the British Embassy, and embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates.
Where a UK document is required, it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iranian embassy. We obtain and prepare everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,400 km by air.
The timing depends on how quickly the death is registered, the certification and translation of the documents by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Embassy no-objection letter, and flight availability from Tehran.
Yes. The Iranian death certificate is issued in Farsi and is certified and translated by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use in the UK. Where a UK document is required, it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iranian embassy.
This certification is the main factor in the timeline. We manage the whole chain so the paperwork is accepted without delay.
Yes. A burial can generally proceed on the Iranian death certificate and its certified translation. For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using Cremation Form 6, once satisfied that no further investigation is needed (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal).
Cremation is uncommon in Iran and contrary to Islamic practice, so most families we assist plan a burial. We liaise with the coroner's office so the receiving arrangements are ready when the deceased arrives.
The quoted price covers the Iranian documentation, the certification and translation, embalming, a sealed transport coffin suitable for the UK funeral, the transport certificates, air freight to the UK and handover to your funeral director.
We confirm a firm quote at first contact with no hidden costs. The agreed price is settled once the flight is confirmed, with no deposit or advance required, before your loved one departs; we then stay with you through arrival, the final paperwork and registering the death.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
