Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Austria
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Repatriation from Germany to Austria: what to expect
Germany and Austria share a language and a long border, and the bilateral migration corridor between the two countries is one of the most active in central Europe. Many Germans retire to or work in Austria, and many Austrians live in Germany. The German-Austrian repatriation corridor is well-established. When a person with Austrian family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German, which is also Austria's official language, simplifying the documentation for the Austrian Standesamt. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- 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.
- Austria 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 Austria
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
Austria 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 Austria
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Austria funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Austria
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Austria 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 Austria Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Austria 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 Austrian funeral director takes custody at Vienna International Airport (VIE) cargo terminal. The Standesamt (civil registry office) in the receiving municipality registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified German translation where not already in German. The Gerichtsmedizin handles medico-legal cases. Austria joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1968. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Standesamt.
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.
In Austria
When the body arrives in Austria
The Austrian funeral director takes custody at Vienna International Airport (VIE) cargo terminal. Death registration in Austria is handled by the Standesamt (civil registry office) in the municipality where the death is registered. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in German, accompanied by a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung) for submission to the Standesamt. The Gerichtsmedizin (Institute of Forensic Medicine) handles medico-legal cases. Austria joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1968; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Austrian Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Austria. Austria joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1968. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Standesamt in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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 Austria.
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