Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Hong Kong
For families bringing someone home to Hong Kong. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Hong Kong: what to expect
Germany has active business and diplomatic relations with Hong Kong; the German Consulate General in Hong Kong serves a significant German business community on the island. When a German national with Hong Kong connections dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Hong Kong, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified English or Chinese translation and authentication by the German Consulate General in Hong Kong. Hong Kong SAR is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. (German Consulate General Hong Kong, 2025; Hong Kong Immigration Department Births and Deaths Registry, 2025.)
- 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.
- Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong
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
Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Hong Kong funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Hong Kong
When the body arrives in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong funeral director takes custody at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at Chek Lap Kok cargo terminal. Death registration in Hong Kong is handled by the Births and Deaths Registry under the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Bilingual death certificates are issued in English and Chinese. Hong Kong SAR is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; China, to which Hong Kong was returned in 1997, is not a Convention member. Full consular authentication through the relevant consulate in Hong Kong is required for all foreign-issued documents intended for use in HKSAR. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The HKSAR Government Office in Berlin can provide general information on Hong Kong documentation requirements. For consular assistance with foreign-issued documents in Hong Kong, the relevant consulate general in Hong Kong can authenticate documents. Hong Kong SAR is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Hong Kong
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong funeral director takes custody at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Chek Lap Kok cargo terminal. The Births and Deaths Registry under the Immigration Department of the HKSAR registers the death and issues bilingual certificates in English and Chinese. Hong Kong SAR is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication of all foreign-issued documents is required. 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
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 Hong Kong.
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