Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Jordan
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
24/7 emergency helpline
WhatsApp: +44 7703 577246Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Jordan: what to expect
Germany has an established Jordanian community, with nationals and their families settled across Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg. The Jordanian Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a Jordanian national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Jordan, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) receives the remains. The Sterbeurkunde requires certified Arabic translation for the Civil Status Department in Jordan. Jordan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; German documents require full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in Berlin. Islamic law procedures apply for Muslim remains; prompt burial is expected. (Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025; German Federal Foreign Office, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Jordan Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Jordan
When the body arrives in Jordan
The Jordanian funeral director takes custody at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. The Civil Status Department of the Ministry of Interior handles death registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and prompt burial is expected; a burial permit from the Ministry of Interior is required before final disposition. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Jordan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin is required. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. A health clearance certificate is required for all incoming human remains. (Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
The Jordanian Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Jordan. Jordan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in Berlin 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 Jordan
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
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
Jordan 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 Jordan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Jordan 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 Jordan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Jordan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-10 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 Jordan Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Jordan 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 Jordanian funeral director takes custody at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) cargo terminal. The Civil Status Department of the Ministry of Interior handles death registration. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply and a burial permit from the Ministry of Interior is required; prompt burial is expected. All foreign documents require certified Arabic translation. Jordan is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Jordanian Embassy in the origin country 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, 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