Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Georgia to Germany
For families bringing someone home to Germany. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Georgia to Germany: what to expect
Georgian nationals form a growing community in Germany, with many arriving after Georgia obtained EU visa-free access in 2017. Georgian communities work in trade, hospitality, and professional services in Berlin, Frankfurt, and other German cities. Germany and Georgia have bilateral ties through the EU association agreement and significant German investment in Georgia's economy. Georgian documentation requires certified German translation. The German Embassy in Tbilisi handles consular matters.
- Key document: Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (requires certified English translation)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency promptly.
- All Georgian-language documentation requires a certified English translation for Germany acceptance.
The process
What happens after a death in Georgia
Repatriation from Georgia begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Civil Registry Agency and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 5-10 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor's Office, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Germany as air cargo. A funeral director in Germany then takes custody. The full process most often takes 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Georgia to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Germany: +49 30 5000 2000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (requires certified English translation) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency. Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany Embassy in Tbilisi 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 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Germany
Once all documentation complete. Germany cargo terminal
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. The 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 the cargo terminal, typically Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Berlin (BER). A Leichenpass (body transport passport) or equivalent laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local Gesundheitsamt (public health authority) may inspect the remains on arrival. The receiving funeral director registers the death with the local Standesamt (civil registry) if required.
Consular support
German Embassy in Tbilisi can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. The German Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Georgia to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Georgia to Germany takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the Civil Registry Agency promptly.
The core documents are: Death certificate from Civil Registry Agency (certified English translation required), Prosecutor's clearance (for unnatural deaths), Embalming certificate, Export permit, Freedom from infection certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Germany Embassy in Tbilisi can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A Leichenpass or laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Gesundheitsamt may inspect the remains on arrival. The death is registered with the local Standesamt. All foreign documents must carry certified German translation where required.
Cremation in Georgia is available. Bringing the ashes home to Germany is an option alongside full body repatriation.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Georgia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Germany.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Georgia (gov.uk) · Georgia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions