A dignified, fully-managed repatriation from 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 destination city in Iraq, the airline and routing and the consular fees. We confirm a firm quote at first contact. The base covers transport to the destination airport; customs clearance and onward delivery are quoted separately, where available.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
When someone dies in the UK and is to be returned to Iraq for the funeral, the process brings together the UK coroner's formalities, the requirements of the Iraqi authorities, and the flight itself. Iraq lies roughly 4,000 km from the UK, so the deceased travels by air, usually to Baghdad, Basra or Erbil. We manage the full journey and the paperwork on both sides so the family does not have to approach UK offices in English. Our repatriation hub sets out the essentials if you are just starting.
Taking a body out of England and Wales follows a set UK procedure; Iraq's own entry requirements then set the standard for the documents that accompany the deceased. Because Iraq is not part of the European Union, the UK death certificate must be legalised before Iraq will recognise it, and the consular formalities are handled on the family's behalf — the note alongside this page sets out what that involves.
Before a deceased person can be taken out of England and Wales, the law requires that the coroner for the district be given at least four clear days' notice (the Removal of Bodies Regulations 1954). The coroner then issues an acknowledgement — the "out of England" notice — confirming there is no objection to removal, and can release the deceased sooner where satisfied that no further enquiries are needed. We complete this notification and obtain the acknowledgement on the family's behalf. In Scotland the equivalent authority is the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner.
The deceased travels in a sealed, transport-standard coffin, accompanied by the UK death certificate in legalised form and certificates of embalming and freedom from infection. On arrival at Baghdad, Basra or Erbil, the receiving family or funeral director takes the deceased into their care and arranges the funeral in the home town or province. The consular formalities that Iraq requires before the coffin is dispatched are described in the note alongside this page, and we complete them 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. Our team collects the deceased from the UK hospital, mortuary or funeral home, arranges the flight to the chosen Iraqi airport, and hands over to the receiving family or funeral director on arrival. Most funerals in Iraq follow Islamic practice, in which burial is expected as soon as possible; we work to move each stage forward quickly while being open that the coroner's notice, embalming and the consular formalities take time that cannot always be shortened.
A repatriation from the UK to Iraq typically takes 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,000 km by air. The main factors are the four clear days' notice to the coroner, the legalisation of the documents and the consular formalities that Iraq requires, and the availability of a suitable flight to the destination city. Where the death has been referred to the coroner for investigation, the timeline can be 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 destination city in Iraq, the airline and routing, and any UK funeral-home fees. A UK estate, a life-insurance policy or the deceased's own arrangements may cover part of the cost, and we are glad to discuss this openly.
We handle the UK coroner's formalities, the Iraqi consular requirements and the flight as one coordinated process, keeping the family informed and remaining contactable 24/7. You can read more about repatriating a body from the UK in our guidance.
Last verified July 2026.
Repatriation to Iraq is coordinated with the Iraqi Embassy in London, who ratifies and legalises the death certificate, obtains Ministry approval to admit the body, and seals the coffin before it is dispatched. We prepare and lodge the consular application on the family's behalf, so no one needs to attend the consulate in person.
Common questions about repatriating someone who has died in the UK to their home country — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
Before removal, the coroner must be given at least four clear days' notice and issues an "out of England" acknowledgement. The UK death certificate is then legalised, and the consular formalities that Iraq requires are completed before the coffin is dispatched.
The deceased travels in a sealed transport coffin with embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates. We complete the coroner notification and arrange the consular steps on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact, the deceased travelling roughly 4,000 km by air.
The main factors are the four clear days' notice to the coroner, the legalisation of the documents and the consular formalities Iraq requires, and flight availability. Where the death has been referred to the coroner for investigation, the timeline can be longer.
Repatriation to Iraq is coordinated with the Iraqi Embassy in London, who ratifies and legalises the death certificate, obtains Ministry approval to admit the body, and seals the coffin before it is dispatched.
We prepare and lodge the consular application on the family's behalf, so no one needs to attend the consulate in person.
We understand that Islamic tradition calls for burial as soon as possible, and we work to move the process forward without delay. We are also open that an international repatriation involves steps — the coroner's notice, embalming, legalisation and the consular formalities — that take time and cannot always be shortened.
Throughout, the deceased is treated with dignity and we do our best to respect the family's wishes and rites.
The quoted price covers the coroner notification, the legalisation and consular formalities, embalming, a sealed transport coffin, the transport certificates, and the flight to Iraq with handover to the receiving family or 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.
