Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Australia
For families bringing someone home to Australia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Australia: what to expect
Australia has a significant German-heritage community, with substantial German migration in the 19th century and again in the post-Second World War period. South Australia in particular has deep German cultural roots in the Barossa Valley and Hahndorf. The German Embassy in Canberra is fully operational. When a person with Australian family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Australian Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for the state or territory BDM registry. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. Australian Border Force clearance is required on arrival.
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Australia 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 Australia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
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
Australia 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 Australia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Australia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Australia
When the body arrives in Australia
The Australian funeral director takes custody at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE), or Perth Airport (PER) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Australia is handled by the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The Australian death certificate is issued in English. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation for the receiving BDM registry. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths under the relevant state or territory Coroners Act. Australian Customs clearance (operated by the Australian Border Force) is required for all imported human remains. Australia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1995; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Australian High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Australia. Australia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1995. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the relevant state or territory BDM registry for civil registration queries. Australian Border Force clearance is required for all imported human remains.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Australia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Australia 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 Australia Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Australia 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 Australian funeral director takes custody at the receiving state or territory airport cargo terminal. The state or territory BDM (Births, Deaths and Marriages) registry registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified English translation where not already in English. The coroner handles sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths under state or territory legislation. Australian Border Force clearance is required. Australia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1995. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local BDM registry.
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. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Germany, 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 Australia.
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 Germany (gov.uk) · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions