Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Argentina
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Argentina: what to expect
German nationals in Argentina include business professionals and a community with historical ties, including German-Argentine communities in Buenos Aires and Patagonia. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified Spanish translation for Argentine civil registration. Argentina is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for German documents. (Argentine Cancilleria, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Argentina Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Germany
Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician and registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German. Police and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Germany is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Argentina
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Argentina Embassy in Berlin 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 Argentina
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Argentina funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Argentina
When the body arrives in Argentina
The Argentine funeral director takes custody at Ministro Pistarini International Airport Buenos Aires (EZE) cargo terminal. The Registro Civil at provincial level handles civil registration of the death. The Cuerpo Medico Forense (forensic medical unit) takes jurisdiction for deaths from violent or unclear causes. Argentina is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All other foreign documents require certified Spanish translation and full consular authentication through the Argentine Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Cancilleria, 2025.)
Consular support
Argentine Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Argentina. Argentina is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Argentina
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Argentina 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 Standesamt (civil registry) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (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 Argentina Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Argentina Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Staatsanwaltschaft) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Argentine funeral director takes custody at Ministro Pistarini International Airport Buenos Aires (EZE) cargo terminal. The Registro Civil at provincial level registers the death. The Cuerpo Medico Forense takes jurisdiction for violent or unclear deaths. Argentina is a Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates are accepted from member states. All other documents require certified Spanish translation and full consular authentication. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Germany 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 Germany, 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 · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions