Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Canada
For families bringing someone home to Canada. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Canada: what to expect
Canada has one of the world's largest German-heritage communities, with over three million Canadians of German background, concentrated in Ontario, the Prairie provinces, and British Columbia. Significant bilateral migration between Germany and Canada has occurred across multiple generations. The Canadian Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a person with Canadian family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde requires a certified English translation for the provincial civil registration authority. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, in force November 2024; Germany is also a Hague member.
- 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.
- Canada Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Canada
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
Canada 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 Canada
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Canada funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Canada
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Canada 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 Canada Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Canada 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 Canadian funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The relevant provincial civil registration authority registers the death. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation where not in English or French. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required for all imported human remains. Provincial regulations for burial and cremation vary. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024. 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.
In Canada
When the body arrives in Canada
The Canadian funeral director takes custody at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), or another major airport cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Canada is handled by the provincial civil registration authority in the province where the death is registered: for example, Service Ontario in Ontario, or the Quebec Directeur de l'etat civil. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English or French, accompanied by a certified translation. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) clearance is required for all imported human remains. Provincial regulations for burial and cremation vary and are enforced by the receiving funeral director. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention; it entered into force in November 2024. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Canadian High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Canada. Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, in force November 2024. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the relevant provincial civil registration authority 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 Canada.
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