Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Romania
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
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.
Key facts
Repatriation from Germany to Romania: what to expect
Romanian nationals in Germany include a growing community of workers and professionals, reflecting EU free movement. Germany and Romania maintain bilateral EU and NATO relations. German death certificates (Sterbeurkunde, in German) require certified Romanian translation and authentication by the Romanian Embassy in Berlin. Both countries are EU members and Hague Apostille Convention members; apostille certificates are accepted for German documents. (Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) (in German)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Berlin registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry) promptly.
- Romania Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Romania
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.
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
Romania 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 Romania
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Romania funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Romania
When the body arrives in Romania
The Romanian funeral director takes custody at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) cargo terminal or the relevant regional airport. Death registration is handled by the local Starea Civila (civil status office) under the local council, which issues a certificat de deces (death certificate) in Romanian. Romania 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 Romanian require certified Romanian translation authorised by a Romanian court or notary. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Romanian Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Romania. Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Romania
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Romania 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 Romania Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Romania 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 Romanian funeral director takes custody at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) cargo terminal. The local Starea Civila registers the death and issues a certificat de deces in Romanian. Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. Foreign documents in other languages require certified Romanian 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.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Germany, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Germany repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions