Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Papua New Guinea
For families bringing someone home to Papua New Guinea. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Papua New Guinea: what to expect
Germany maintains development cooperation with Papua New Guinea and a small German community works in PNG in the resource and development sectors. Germany does not maintain a resident embassy in Port Moresby; German nationals in PNG are advised to contact the German Embassy in Canberra, Australia. When a Papua New Guinean national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to PNG, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires consular authentication for submission to the Civil Registration Authority. The Papua New Guinea High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. Papua New Guinea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required.
- 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.
- Papua New Guinea Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund 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 Papua New Guinea
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
Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Papua New Guinea funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Papua New Guinea
When the body arrives in Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea funeral director takes custody at Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby cargo terminal. For deaths in remote areas, the body must be transferred to Port Moresby before international repatriation can proceed. Death registration in Papua New Guinea is handled by the Civil Registration Authority under the Department of Justice and Attorney General. Death certificates are issued in English. Papua New Guinea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication of all foreign documents is required. Papua New Guinea is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport; a specialist is essential on this corridor given the geographic and logistical complexity.
Consular support
The Papua New Guinea High Commission or Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication is required for all foreign documents. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Civil Registration Authority in Papua New Guinea for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Papua New Guinea
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Papua New Guinea takes 4-8 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 3-5 weeks. Complex cases can take 10-16 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 Papua New Guinea Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea funeral director takes custody at Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby cargo terminal. For deaths in remote locations, transfer to Port Moresby is required before international repatriation can proceed. The Civil Registration Authority under the Department of Justice and Attorney General registers the death and issues a death certificate in English. All foreign documents require consular authentication. Papua New Guinea is not a Hague Apostille Convention member. Papua New Guinea is a Commonwealth member. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. A specialist with experience of PNG procedures is essential.
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.
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 Papua New Guinea.
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