Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to China
For families bringing someone home to China. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to China: what to expect
Germany and China maintain significant bilateral economic ties, with Germany one of China's largest European trading partners. German nationals work in China in automotive, engineering, chemicals, and finance, and Chinese students and professionals are present in Germany. Germany maintains an Embassy in Beijing and Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. When a German national dies in China and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Germany, the death must be registered and quarantine clearance obtained through the General Administration of Customs. China is not a Hague Apostille member; the Chinese Embassy in Berlin can advise on document legalisation.
- 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.
- China Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to China
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
China 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 China
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
China 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 China
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to China takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-4 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-16 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 China Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the China 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 Chinese funeral director takes custody at Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) cargo terminal. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation and full consular legalisation through the Chinese Embassy in the origin country. China is not a Hague Apostille member. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and all documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition.
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 China
When the body arrives in China
The Chinese funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) cargo terminal, depending on the destination city. The General Administration of Customs carries out quarantine inspection of all incoming remains. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) oversees mortuary standards and civil registration. All foreign documents require certified simplified Chinese translation. China has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 7 November 2023, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. An embalming certificate, health certificate, and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Quarantine clearance procedures are strict and documentation must be complete before the body is released for final disposition. (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements and legalisation for repatriation to China. China is not a Hague Apostille member; all documents must be legalised through the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 China.
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