Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Iceland
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Repatriation from Germany to Iceland: what to expect
Germany is one of Iceland's main trading partners, and German tourists visit Iceland in large numbers. When a person with Icelandic connections dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Iceland, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Icelandic translation for use in Iceland. The Icelandic Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation authentication for Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga). Both Germany and Iceland are Hague Apostille Convention members; Iceland has been a member since 1997. (Icelandic Embassy in Berlin, 2025; Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga), 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.
- Iceland Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Iceland
When the body arrives in Iceland
The Icelandic funeral director takes custody at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) cargo terminal. Death registration in Iceland is handled by Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga), the national registry. Death certificates are issued in Icelandic. Iceland has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 2004; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Iceland is an EEA and Schengen member. All foreign documents require certified Icelandic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Icelandic Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iceland. Iceland has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1997. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange 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 Iceland
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
Iceland 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 Iceland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iceland funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Iceland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Iceland 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 Iceland Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iceland 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 Icelandic funeral director takes custody at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) cargo terminal. Registers Iceland (Thjodskra Islandinga) registers the death; certificates are issued in Icelandic. Iceland has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1997; apostille certificates are accepted for foreign-issued documents. All foreign documents require certified Icelandic translation. 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 Iceland.
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