Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Cyprus
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Cyprus: what to expect
Germany has a significant Cypriot community and bilateral economic ties with Cyprus. When a Cypriot national or a person of Cypriot heritage dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Cyprus, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Greek translation for use in Cyprus. The Embassy of Cyprus in Berlin can advise on documentation authentication for the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Both Germany and Cyprus are EU and Hague Apostille Convention members; Cyprus has been a member since 1983. (Embassy of Cyprus in Berlin, 2025; Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Cyprus Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Cyprus
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
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
Cyprus 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 Cyprus
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Cyprus 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 Cyprus
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Cyprus 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 Cyprus Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Cyprus 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 funeral director takes custody at Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO) cargo terminal. In government-controlled areas, the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus handles death registration, with local registration at the municipal council (demos); certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983; apostille certificates are accepted. Deaths in northern Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas require separate guidance from the FCDO. All foreign documents require certified Greek 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 Cyprus
When the body arrives in Cyprus
The Cypriot funeral director takes custody at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos International Airport (PFO) cargo terminal. In the government-controlled areas, death registration is handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) of the Republic of Cyprus, with local registration at the municipal council (demos). Death certificates are issued in Greek. Cyprus has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1983; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. The northern part of Cyprus has been under Turkish military control since 1974 and is not recognised by most countries; the FCDO advises that the Republic of Cyprus does not control these areas. Deaths in the Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri or Dhekelia (British territory) require contact with the Sovereign Base Area Administration. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Cyprus, 2025.)
Consular support
The Cyprus High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Cyprus. Cyprus has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1983. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Families with a death in the northern areas should contact the FCDO for current guidance on consular access.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Germany, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions