Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Ireland
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Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Ireland: what to expect
Germany is one of the more straightforward European repatriation routes. A well-regulated funeral sector, efficient Standesamt registration, and direct Lufthansa connections to Dublin keep most cases within 7-14 days.
- Key documents: Sterbeurkunde (from Standesamt) and Totenschein (medical death certificate)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. The Leichenpass is Germany's international body-transport document and adds 1-2 days.
- Irish Embassy in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Ireland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Irish Embassy Berlin: via Dept of Foreign Affairs +353 1 408 2000.
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
Irish Embassy 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) to Dublin (DUB)
Once all documentation complete. Lufthansa Cargo has connections to Dublin.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Irish funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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. Germany has 16 federal states, each with its own funeral law, but the broad process is consistent across all.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Ireland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Ireland 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 Irish Embassy in Berlin can register the death with Irish authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000.
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All German documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Yes. Cremation in Germany and bringing ashes home to Ireland is often simpler and less costly. German crematoria operate to high standards. You will need the Sterbeurkunde, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit.
In Ireland
When the body arrives in Ireland
The Irish funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All German documentation must be in certified English translation. The Coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
Department of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +353 1 408 2000. The Irish Embassy in Berlin can register the death and advise.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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