Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Poland
For families bringing someone home to Poland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Poland: what to expect
Polish nationals in Germany form one of the largest diaspora communities in Germany, reflecting close bilateral ties as EU and NATO neighbours. When a Polish national dies in Germany, the death is registered at the local Standesamt (civil registry) and a Sterbeurkunde is issued in German. German death certificates require a certified sworn translation into Polish. Poland and Germany are both EU members and Hague Apostille Convention members; apostille certificates are accepted for German documents. The Polish Embassy in Berlin advises on documentation. (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- 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.
- Poland Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Poland
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
Poland 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 Poland
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Poland 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 Poland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Poland 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 Poland Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Poland 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 Polish funeral director takes custody at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) cargo terminal. The local Urzad Stanu Cywilnego (USC) registers the death and issues an akt zgonu in Polish. Poland is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign documents in other languages require a certified sworn translation. 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 Poland
When the body arrives in Poland
The Polish funeral director takes custody at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) or Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) cargo terminal, or the relevant regional airport. Death registration is handled by the local Urzad Stanu Cywilnego (USC, Civil Status Office), which issues an akt zgonu (death certificate) in Polish. Poland is an EU member state and a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; apostille certificates are accepted for documents from member states. All foreign documents in languages other than Polish require a certified sworn translation by a sworn translator registered in Poland. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Polish Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Poland. Poland is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 Poland.
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