Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to South Africa
For families bringing someone home to South Africa. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to South Africa: what to expect
German nationals form a significant tourist and business community in South Africa, with Germany being one of South Africa's most important European trading partners. German tourists represent a major segment of South Africa's inbound tourism market, and German companies have significant investment interests in South Africa. German documentation requires certified translation for South African Home Affairs purposes. The South African Embassy in Berlin handles consular matters. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
- Key documents: Sterbeurkunde (from Standesamt) and Totenschein (medical death certificate)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. The Leichenpass is Germany's unique body-transport document.
- South Africa Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from Germany
Call 112 for emergency services. A doctor issues the Totenschein. Death must be registered at the local Standesamt within 3 working days. The Standesamt issues the Sterbeurkunde. For international transport, a Leichenpass is required.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to South Africa
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Totenschein issued. Death registered at Standesamt. Sterbeurkunde obtained.
Must be registered within 3 working days. Sterbeurkunde issued same or next day.
Local funeral director and Standesamt
South Africa Embassy in Berlin notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
German funeral industry is professional and efficient.
Licensed local funeral director
Leichenpass obtained and all export permits completed
Allow 3-7 days. Leichenpass adds 1-2 days but is standard procedure.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), or Dusseldorf (DUS)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
South Africa funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In South Africa
When the body arrives in South Africa
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically O.R. Tambo International (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International (CPT), or King Shaka International (DUR, Durban). A permit from the South African Department of Home Affairs (Form DHA-1744) is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority issues any additional permits. (South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, 2025.)
Consular support
South African Embassy or High Commission in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to South Africa. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the nearest South African mission for assistance.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to South Africa
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to South Africa takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem (Gerichtsmedizin) can take 3-6 weeks.
The Leichenpass is Germany's international body-transport document. It authorises international movement of the body and must accompany all repatriations. Your local funeral director handles the application. It adds approximately 1-2 days to the process.
The core documents are: Sterbeurkunde (death certificate from Standesamt), Totenschein (medical death certificate), Leichenpass, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate (Gesundheitszeugnis).
The South Africa Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the South Africa Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
The South African funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. Department of Home Affairs Form DHA-1744 is required before burial or cremation. The provincial health authority may issue additional permits. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local registrar.
Yes. Cremation in Germany and bringing the ashes home to South Africa is often simpler and less costly. German crematoria operate to high standards. You will need the Sterbeurkunde, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit.
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 South Africa.
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