Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Czech Republic
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Czech Republic: what to expect
Germany and the Czech Republic share a long border and close economic and cultural ties. The Czech community in Germany is well-established. When a Czech national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to the Czech Republic, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Czech translation for use in the Czech Republic. The Czech Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation authentication for the matrika (civil registry office). Both countries are EU and Hague Apostille Convention members; the Czech Republic has been a member since 1998. (Czech Embassy in Berlin, 2025; Czech civil registration (matrika), 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.
- Czech Republic Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Czech Republic
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
Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Czech Republic 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 Czech Republic Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Czech Republic 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 Czech funeral director takes custody at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) cargo terminal. The matrika (civil registry office) at the local authority registers the death; certificates are issued in Czech. The Czech Republic has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1998; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Czech 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 Czech Republic
When the body arrives in Czech Republic
The Czech funeral director takes custody at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) cargo terminal. Death registration in the Czech Republic is handled by the matrika (civil registry office) at the local authority. Death certificates are issued in Czech. The Czech Republic has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1998; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All foreign documents require certified Czech translation. The Czech Republic is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Czech civil registration (matrika), 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Czech Republic, 2025.)
Consular support
The Czech Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1998. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. All foreign-issued documents require certified Czech translation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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