Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Croatia
For families bringing someone home to Croatia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Croatia: what to expect
Germany has one of the largest Croatian diaspora communities outside Croatia, reflecting the Gastarbeiter labour migration from the 1960s and more recent EU movement. When a Croatian national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Croatia, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Croatian translation for use in Croatia. The Croatian Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation authentication for the maticar (civil registrar). Both countries are EU and Hague Apostille Convention members; Croatia has been a member since 1991. (Croatian Embassy in Berlin, 2025; Croatian Ministry of Administration, 2025.)
- 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.
- Croatia Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Croatia
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
Croatia 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 Croatia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Croatia 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 Croatia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Croatia 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 Croatia Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Croatia 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 Croatian funeral director takes custody at Zagreb (ZAG), Split (SPU), Dubrovnik (DBV), or Zadar (ZAD) cargo terminal. The maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office registers the death; certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. 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 Croatia
When the body arrives in Croatia
The Croatian funeral director takes custody at Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG), Split Airport (SPU), Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), or Zadar Airport (ZAD) cargo terminal, depending on the destination. Death registration in Croatia is handled by the maticar (civil registrar) at the local State Administration Office. Death certificates are issued in Croatian. Croatia has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1991; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Croatian translation. Croatia is an EU member since 2013. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Croatian Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Croatia. Croatia has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1991. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Croatian translation.
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 Croatia.
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