Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Namibia
For families bringing someone home to Namibia. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Namibia: what to expect
Germany has deep historical ties with Namibia, which was the German colony of German South West Africa from 1884 until 1915. An established German-Namibian community of some 20,000 people remains in Namibia, centred on Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Luderitz, and there is significant ongoing migration between the two countries. The Germany-Namibia repatriation corridor is among the most active in sub-Saharan Africa for European origin countries. When a Namibian national or person of Namibian heritage dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German. The Namibia Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements. Both Germany and Namibia are Hague Apostille Convention members; Namibia joined in 2002.
- 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.
- Namibia Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Namibia
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
Namibia 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 Namibia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Namibia 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 Namibia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Namibia takes 3-5 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 Namibia Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Namibia 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 Namibian funeral director takes custody at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) near Windhoek cargo terminal. The civil registration division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security registers the death and issues a death certificate in English. Namibia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Namibia is a Commonwealth member. 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 Namibia
When the body arrives in Namibia
The Namibian funeral director takes custody at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) near Windhoek cargo terminal. Death registration in Namibia is handled by the civil registration division under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. Death certificates are issued in English. Namibia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Namibia is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Namibian High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Namibia. Namibia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2001. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the civil registration division of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Namibia for 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 Namibia.
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