Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to France
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to France: what to expect
Germany and France share a border and maintain the most active bilateral migration corridor in Europe. A large German community is established in France, particularly in Alsace, Paris, and the major cities. Many German nationals retire to or work in France, and the France-Germany repatriation corridor is well-established. When a German national or a person with French family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde requires a certified French translation for the receiving mairie. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: France, 2025; Mairie civil registry, France, 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.
- France Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to France
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
France 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 France
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director takes custody at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY), Nice Airport (NCE), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. Death registration in France is handled by the mairie (town hall) in the municipality where the death is registered. The acte de deces is issued in French. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in French, accompanied by a certified French translation for the mairie. The Procureur de la Republique (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports; French regulations on embalming must be observed. (Mairie / direction des affaires civiles, France, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: France, 2025.)
Consular support
The French Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to France. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the mairie in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to France 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 France Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France 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 French funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The local mairie registers the death and issues the acte de deces. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified French translation where not already in French. The Procureur de la Republique handles violent or unexplained deaths. France joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1960. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required; French embalming regulations apply. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local mairie.
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, 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