Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Iraq
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Repatriation from Germany to Iraq: what to expect
Iraqi nationals in Germany include a significant diaspora community with bilateral ties reflecting decades of migration. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified Arabic translation and authentication by the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required.
- 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.
- Iraq Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Iraq
When the body arrives in Iraq
The Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For destinations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the relevant gateway. Death registration is handled by the Civil Status Directorate under the Iraqi Ministry of Interior; all certificates are issued in Arabic. Families repatriating remains to Iraq should work with a specialist who maintains current contacts on the ground. Iraq is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Iraq. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required. 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 Iraq
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
Iraq 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 Iraq
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Iraq 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 Iraq
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Iraq 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 Iraq Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Iraq 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 Iraqi funeral director takes custody at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) cargo terminal. For the Kurdistan Region, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the main gateway. The Civil Status Directorate registers the death; all certificates are in Arabic. Iraq is not a Hague Apostille member; full consular authentication through the Iraqi Embassy or Consulate in the origin country is required. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. Families should work with a specialist given current conditions.
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 Iraq.
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