Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Moldova
For families bringing someone home to Moldova. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Moldova: what to expect
Germany hosts a significant Moldovan diaspora community, with nationals drawn to Germany for work in construction, healthcare, and agriculture. When a Moldovan national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Moldova, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Romanian translation for submission to the civil status offices (starea civila). The Moldovan Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice). Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; 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.
- Moldova Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Moldova
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
Moldova 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 Moldova
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Moldova 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 Moldova
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Moldova takes 3-6 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-12 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 Moldova Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Moldova 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 Moldovan funeral director takes custody at Chisinau International Airport (RMO) cargo terminal. The civil status offices (starea civila) under the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice) register the death and issue the act de deces (death certificate) in Romanian. All foreign documents require certified Romanian translation before submission to Moldovan authorities. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. 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.
In Moldova
When the body arrives in Moldova
The Moldovan funeral director takes custody at Chisinau International Airport (RMO) cargo terminal. Death registration in Moldova is handled by the civil status offices (starea civila) under the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice). The act de deces (death certificate) is issued in Romanian; all foreign documents require certified Romanian translation. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Moldovan Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Moldova. Moldova joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2007. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Agency of Public Services (Agentia Servicii Publice) in Moldova 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 Moldova.
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