Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Finland
For families bringing someone home to Finland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Finland: what to expect
Germany and Finland are EU partners with active bilateral trade and cultural ties. German nationals visit Finland for Lapland tourism and the midnight sun, and German companies are active in Finland's industrial and technology sectors. The Finnish Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a person with Finnish family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde requires a certified Finnish or Swedish translation for the DVV. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members; Finland joined in 2009.
- 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.
- Finland 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 Finland
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
Finland 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 Finland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Finland funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Finland
When the body arrives in Finland
The Finnish funeral director takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) cargo terminal, or at Tampere (TMP) or Turku (TKU) Airport depending on the final destination. Death registration in Finland is handled by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV / Digi- ja vaestovirasto), which maintains the Population Information System. The kuolintodistus (death certificate) is issued in Finnish, Swedish, or both. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Finnish or Swedish, accompanied by a certified translation for DVV. The police and medical examiner take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Finland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Finnish Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Finland. Finland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Finland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Finland 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 Finland Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Finland 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 Finnish funeral director takes custody at Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) or the relevant regional airport cargo terminal. The DVV (Digi- ja vaestovirasto) handles civil registration. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Finnish or Swedish translation where not already in those languages. The police and medical examiner handle violent or unexplained deaths. Finland joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the DVV.
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 Finland.
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