Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to the Democratic Republic of the Congo: what to expect
German nationals in the DRC include development workers, researchers, and mining sector professionals. Germany and the DRC maintain bilateral development cooperation through GIZ programmes. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified French translation and authentication by the DRC Embassy in Berlin. The DRC is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. Families should verify current airline routes and conditions. (DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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
the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the Democratic Republic of the Congo funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo
When the body arrives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Congolese funeral director takes custody at N'Djili International Airport Kinshasa (FIH) cargo terminal, or Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) for the Katanga region. Death registration is handled by the Office National de l'Etat Civil (ONEC) at commune level. Death certificates (actes de deces) are issued in French, the official language. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the DRC Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign-language documents require certified French translation. The FCDO advises against all travel to certain eastern DRC provinces; families should verify current airline routes and confirm consular access before proceeding. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2025.)
Consular support
DRC Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 Congolese funeral director takes custody at N'Djili International Airport Kinshasa (FIH) or Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) cargo terminal. The Office National de l'Etat Civil (ONEC) at commune level registers the death and issues an acte de deces in French. The DRC is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the DRC Embassy in the origin country is required. The FCDO advises against all travel to certain eastern DRC provinces; families should verify current conditions. 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.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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