Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Greece
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
The repatriation process from Germany
Call 112 for emergency services. A doctor issues the Totenschein. Death must be registered at the local Standesamt within 3 working days. The Standesamt issues the Sterbeurkunde. For international transport, a Leichenpass is required.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Greece: what to expect
German nationals form a significant tourism and retirement community in Greece, with many German residents on the Greek islands and mainland. Germany and Greece are EU partners, and EU freedom of movement applies to both countries. This corridor covers German nationals who die in Greece while working, retiring, or visiting. German documentation may be accepted in the original language for some EU-standard Greek procedures, but certified Greek translation may be required for the Lixiarcheio. The Greek Embassy in Berlin handles consular matters.
- Key documents: Sterbeurkunde (from Standesamt) and Totenschein (medical death certificate)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. The Leichenpass is Germany's unique body-transport document.
- British Embassy in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Greece Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Greece
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +30 210 3681 000.
Family or travel insurer
Totenschein issued. Death registered at Standesamt. Sterbeurkunde obtained.
Must be registered within 3 working days. Sterbeurkunde issued same or next day.
Local funeral director and Standesamt
Greece Embassy in Berlin notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
German funeral industry is professional and efficient.
Licensed local funeral director
Leichenpass obtained and all export permits completed
Allow 3-7 days. Leichenpass adds 1-2 days but is standard procedure.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), or Dusseldorf (DUS)
Once all documentation complete. Lufthansa Cargo has direct routes to all major UK airports.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Greece funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Greece
When the body arrives in Greece
The Greek funeral director (grafeiou teletou) takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki Macedonia (SKG) cargo terminal. A local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio (civil registry) registers the death. Greece is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. All foreign documents not in Greek require certified Greek translation. (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Greek Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Greece. Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +30 210 3681 000 (24 hours). The Greek Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Greece
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Greece takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem (Gerichtsmedizin) can take 3-6 weeks.
The Leichenpass is Germany's international body-transport document. It authorises international movement of the body and must accompany all repatriations. Your local funeral director handles the application. It adds approximately 1-2 days to the process.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate from Standesamt), Totenschein (medical death certificate), Leichenpass, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate (Gesundheitszeugnis).
The Greece Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Greece Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
The Greek funeral director takes custody at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) cargo terminal. Local health authority clearance is required before burial or cremation. The Lixiarcheio registers the death. All foreign documents require certified Greek translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Germany and bringing ashes home to the UK is often simpler and less costly. German crematoria operate to high standards. You will need the Sterbeurkunde, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit.
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