Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from France to Germany
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in France
Call 17 for police, 15 for ambulance, or 112 for the EU emergency number. Death is certified by a physician. The acte de deces is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Key facts
Repatriation from France to Germany: what to expect
France and Germany share a border and form the bilateral axis at the heart of the European Union. Cross-border migration between the two countries is one of the most active in Europe, with hundreds of thousands of French nationals living in Germany and German nationals in France. The France-Germany repatriation corridor is well-established. When a French national or a person with German family connections dies in France, the death is registered with the local mairie (town hall). The acte de deces requires a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung) for the receiving Standesamt. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Germany, 2025; Standesamt, Bundesministerium des Innern, Germany, 2025.)
- Key document: acte de deces (death certificate) (in French)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Paris registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly.
- Germany Embassy in Paris can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: France to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 17 (police) / 15 (ambulance) / 112 (EU emergency) for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Acte de deces (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany Embassy in Paris notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Germany
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Germany
When the body arrives in Germany
The German funeral director takes custody at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) cargo terminal, depending on the final destination. Death registration in Germany is handled by the local Standesamt (civil registry office) in the municipality where the death is registered. The Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) is issued in German. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in German, accompanied by a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung) for the Standesamt. The Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Standesamt, Bundesministerium des Innern, Germany, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Germany, 2025.)
Consular support
The German Embassy or Consulate in Paris can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Germany. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Standesamt in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from France to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from France to Germany takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local mairie (town hall) civil registry promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: acte de deces (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Germany Embassy in Paris can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Paris as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procureur de la Republique) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The German funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The local Standesamt registers the death and issues the Sterbeurkunde. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung). The Staatsanwaltschaft handles violent or unexplained deaths. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Standesamt.
Cremation in France is widely available. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in France, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · France repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions