Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Lithuania
For families bringing someone home to Lithuania. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Lithuania: what to expect
Germany is home to one of the largest Lithuanian diaspora communities in Western Europe, with tens of thousands of Lithuanian nationals living and working there, particularly in cities such as Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne. When a Lithuanian national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Lithuania, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Lithuanian translation for submission to the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division). The Lithuanian Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1997; German-issued apostille certificates are accepted.
- 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.
- Lithuania Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Lithuania
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
Lithuania 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 Lithuania
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Lithuania funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Lithuania
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Lithuania 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 Lithuania Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Lithuania 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 Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. The Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality registers the death and issues the mirties liudijimas (death certificate) in Lithuanian. All foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation before submission to Lithuanian authorities. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1997; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
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.
In Lithuania
When the body arrives in Lithuania
The Lithuanian funeral director takes custody at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) or Kaunas Airport (KUN) cargo terminal. Death registration in Lithuania is handled by the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) of the local municipality under the Ministry of Justice. The mirties liudijimas (death certificate) is issued in Lithuanian; all foreign documents require certified Lithuanian translation. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1997; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Lithuania is an EU member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Lithuania. Lithuania joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1997. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Metrikacijos skyrius (Civil Registry Division) in Lithuania for civil registration queries.
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 Lithuania.
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