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 Iraq, the airport routing and local charges, which vary. 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 Iraq is a longer and more document-heavy journey than a route within Europe, but it is one we manage from beginning to end. It brings together the formalities required in Iraq, the legalisation and translation of the Iraqi paperwork for use here, the requirements for international air transport, and the receiving arrangements in the UK. Our aim is that the family should not have to travel to Iraq or deal with Iraqi offices, mortuaries or the airline directly. If you are just starting, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Because Iraq is not part of the European Union, there is no multilingual EU death certificate. The death is registered in Iraq and the certificate is issued in Arabic, so the documents are legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iraqi embassy and accompanied by a certified English translation before they can be used here. We also recognise that many families wish to proceed quickly for religious reasons, and we work to move as swiftly as the formalities allow.
A death in Iraq is registered locally before anyone can be brought home. The local authorities register the death and issue the official Iraqi death certificate in Arabic; where a death is sudden, unexplained or the result of an accident, the matter is examined and the cause of death established before release. The deceased is then prepared for transport, with embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates, and formal permission is obtained to take the deceased out of the country. We arrange these steps, together with the legalisation and translation of the paperwork.
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 Baghdad, Basra or Erbil 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 Iraqi death certificate once it has been legalised and translated. 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. We liaise with the coroner's office so this is in place when the deceased arrives, and we are mindful that many Iraqi families follow burial customs that call for the funeral to take place without delay.
A repatriation from Iraq typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,000 km by air. The timing depends on how quickly the death certificate is issued and legalised, whether a sudden death is referred for examination, the preparation of the deceased, and the availability of a suitable flight from Baghdad, Basra or Erbil. Where a death is sudden 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 Iraq, the airport routing and local charges, which vary. 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 Iraqi formalities, the legalisation and translation, the airline logistics and the UK reception as one coordinated process, keeping the family informed at every stage. We understand the importance of moving quickly where faith requires it, and we remain 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 Iraqi death certificate, its legalisation and a certified English translation, formal permission to remove the deceased from Iraq, and embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates.
Because the certificate is issued in Arabic, it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iraqi embassy and translated before it can be used in the UK. We obtain and prepare everything on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,000 km by air.
The timing depends on how quickly the death certificate is issued and legalised, whether a sudden death is referred for examination, the preparation of the deceased, and flight availability from Baghdad, Basra or Erbil.
The Iraqi death certificate is issued in Arabic, so it needs a certified English translation for use in the UK, and it is legalised through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Iraqi embassy before it will be recognised here.
This is the main factor in the timeline. We arrange both, so the paperwork is accepted here without delay.
We understand that many Iraqi families follow customs that call for the burial to take place without delay, and we work to move as swiftly as the formalities allow. A burial can generally proceed on the legalised and translated Iraqi death certificate once the deceased arrives.
For a cremation in England and Wales, the coroner must first give authority using Cremation Form 6 (in Scotland, the procurator fiscal). We prepare the paperwork in advance so nothing holds up the funeral once your loved one is home.
The quoted price covers the Iraqi documentation, the legalisation 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.
