Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Chile
For families bringing someone home to Chile. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Chile: what to expect
Germany has historical ties to Chile through German-Chilean communities established in the 19th century, particularly in the Lake District and Patagonia. A small but established Chilean diaspora community exists in Germany. When a Chilean national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Chile, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Spanish translation for submission to the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI). The Chilean Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; German-issued apostille certificates are accepted.
- 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.
- Chile 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 Chile
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
Chile 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 Chile
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Chile funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Chile
When the body arrives in Chile
The Chilean funeral director takes custody at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago cargo terminal. Regional airports serve other areas, including El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt. Death registration in Chile is handled by the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) at the local Civil Registry Office. The certificado de defuncion (death certificate) is issued in Spanish; all foreign documents require certified Spanish translation. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Chilean Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Chile. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) in Chile for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Chile
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Chile 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 Chile Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Chile 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 Chilean funeral director takes custody at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago cargo terminal. The Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificacion (SRCEI) registers the death and issues the certificado de defuncion in Spanish. All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation before submission to SRCEI. Chile joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. 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. 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 Chile.
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