A general guide to administrative procedures, burial and repatriation of the remains of foreign nationals

The death of a family member or loved one in Türkiye is an extremely difficult and painful experience. In addition to the emotional distress, families may have to deal with hospitals, municipalities, population registry offices, health authorities, consulates, funeral service providers and airlines. Knowing the basic procedures in advance can help reduce confusion, unnecessary delays and additional costs.

1. Obtain the death certificate

The first step is to have the death officially confirmed and the necessary documents issued.

If the person dies in a hospital, the death is confirmed by a doctor and the hospital completes the relevant procedures and issues the necessary medical and death-related documents.

If the person dies at home or outside a hospital, the family should call 112 Emergency so that the appropriate medical team can come to the location, confirm the death and carry out the required procedures.

However, in cases such as a traffic accident, suicide, homicide, sudden or suspicious death, the procedure may be different. The police, prosecutor's office and forensic authorities may become involved. If a forensic examination or autopsy is required, the release of the remains and subsequent burial or repatriation may have to wait until the judicial procedures are completed.

2. Register the death and obtain Formül C

The death of a foreign national in Türkiye must be officially registered with the relevant authorities.

Under the applicable procedures, death information concerning foreign nationals is reported to the relevant institutions. Where required, a Multilingual Death Registration Certificate (Çok Dilli Ölüm Kayıt Örneği – Formül C) can be issued.

The family should therefore contact the relevant institution at the place of death or the District Population Registry Office (İlçe Nüfus Müdürlüğü) to confirm whether the death has been registered and how Formül C can be obtained.

Family members do not necessarily have to personally complete every stage at the Population Registry Office. Depending on the circumstances, notifications and registrations may be carried out by the hospital, municipality or other authorized institutions.

3. Prepare the deceased person's identity and other documents

To facilitate the procedures, the following documents should be collected where available:

  • The deceased person's passport;
  • Identity card or residence permit;
  • Death certificate and relevant medical documents;
  • Formül C, if issued;
  • Identification of the person handling the procedures;
  • Documents proving the family relationship, if required;
  • A power of attorney if another person is handling the procedures;
  • Any other documents requested by the consulate or relevant authorities.

The required documents may vary depending on the deceased person's nationality, the circumstances and cause of death, and whether the remains will be buried in Türkiye or transferred to another country.

4. Contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased person's country

For a foreign national who dies in Türkiye, it is important to contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased person's country as soon as possible.

Each country may have its own requirements concerning the registration of the death of its citizens and the repatriation of human remains.

The consulate may request documents such as the death certificate, Formül C, passport or identity card, identification of the person handling the case, proof of family relationship, and additional documents required for repatriation.

Before having documents translated or notarized, it is advisable to obtain the current list of required documents directly from the relevant embassy or consulate.

5. Translation and notarization of documents

If required by the consulate, some documents may need to be translated by a sworn translator and certified by a Turkish notary (Noter).

In some cases, additional certification by relevant government authorities may also be required.

Since the requirements may differ between countries and consulates, families should first confirm which documents need to be translated, into which language, and what type of certification is required before paying for translation or notarization.

6. Repatriating the remains to the home country

If the family decides to send the deceased person's remains to their home country, additional procedures for international transportation of human remains will be required.

This process may involve coordination between health authorities, the municipality, the consulate, a funeral service provider and the airline.

Families may contact an authorized funeral service provider experienced in international repatriation of human remains. Such companies can assist with preparation of the remains, the appropriate coffin, required documentation, airport procedures and coordination with the airline.

The airline should also be contacted in advance to obtain information about its requirements for transporting human remains, required documents, coffin specifications, delivery arrangements, flight schedules and transportation costs.

7. Permits, health procedures and customs formalities

The necessary health and administrative permissions must be completed before the remains can leave Türkiye.

Additional procedures may also be required at the airport for the acceptance and departure of the remains. The requirements of the country of destination may also apply.

For this reason, families should begin the process as early as possible and obtain up-to-date information from the relevant Turkish authorities, the consulate of the destination country and the airline.

8. If the deceased will be buried in Türkiye

If the family decides to bury the deceased in Türkiye, the procedures for international repatriation will not be necessary. However, the required burial and municipal procedures must still be completed.

The family should contact the relevant municipality's funeral services and cemetery department. Depending on the municipality, these services may include transportation of the deceased, burial authorization, allocation of a cemetery plot and other burial-related procedures.

Requirements, cemetery conditions and fees for foreign nationals may vary between municipalities. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant municipality in advance.

9. Other important matters for the family

During such a difficult period, it can be helpful to designate one person to coordinate the administrative procedures and keep all documents and receipts in one organized file.

It is advisable to make several copies of important documents and, where possible, keep digital copies as well. The names and contact details of officials and representatives contacted at the hospital, municipality, funeral service provider and consulate should also be recorded.

If the deceased had a bank account, rental agreement, insurance policy, employment relationship, vehicle, property or other financial obligations in Türkiye, these matters may need to be addressed separately after the immediate funeral arrangements, with the relevant institutions and, where necessary, a legal professional.

If the deceased had children or other dependents, their residence status, guardianship, care and access to social support may also require separate attention.

Important Note

This information is intended as general guidance on the procedures that may apply when a foreign national dies in Türkiye. The exact procedures may vary depending on the person's nationality, place and circumstances of death, cause of death, legal status in Türkiye, and whether the remains will be buried in Türkiye or transferred to another country.

Families should therefore first ensure that the death is officially confirmed and the necessary documents are issued. They should then contact the relevant Population Registry Office, municipality, health authorities and the embassy or consulate of the deceased person's country to obtain the most current information about the required procedures and documents.

If the remains are to be transferred abroad, early contact with the relevant consulate and an authorized funeral service provider experienced in international repatriation can help the family manage the process more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays and expenses.

Having accurate information and knowing the appropriate procedures can help families navigate the administrative process with greater clarity and reduce some of the difficulties during an already painful time.