Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Denmark
For families bringing someone home to Denmark. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Denmark: what to expect
Germany and Denmark share a land border and one of the most active cross-border migration corridors in northern Europe. A German-speaking minority community has historically existed in southern Denmark (Schleswig), and cross-border family ties are common. The Danish Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a person with Danish family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde requires a certified Danish translation for the CPR-registret. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members.
- 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.
- Denmark 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 Denmark
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
Denmark 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 Denmark
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Denmark funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Denmark
When the body arrives in Denmark
The Danish funeral director takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) cargo terminal. For deaths in Jutland, Billund Airport (BLL) or Aarhus Airport (AAR) may be used depending on the final destination. Death registration in Denmark is handled by the local municipality (kommunen), which enters the death into the CPR-registret (the national civil registration system). The dodsattest is issued in Danish. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Danish translation where not already in Danish. The police and retsmediciner (forensic medical examiner) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Danish Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Denmark. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local kommunen and CPR-registret for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Denmark
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Denmark 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 Denmark Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Denmark 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 Danish funeral director takes custody at Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) or the relevant regional airport cargo terminal. The local kommunen enters the death into the CPR-registret. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Danish translation where not already in Danish. The police and retsmediciner handle violent or unexplained deaths. Denmark joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2006. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the kommunen.
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.
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 Denmark.
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