Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Sweden
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 Sweden: what to expect
Germany and Sweden are close neighbours and active bilateral partners within the European Union. Cross-border migration is active, and a German community lives in Sweden, particularly in Stockholm and the university cities. Swedish nationals also live and work in Germany in large numbers. The Swedish Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a person with Swedish family connections dies in Germany, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires a certified Swedish translation for Skatteverket registration. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Sweden, 2025; Skatteverket, Sweden, 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.
- Sweden Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Sweden
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
Sweden 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 Sweden
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Sweden funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish funeral director takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) cargo terminal, depending on the family's destination. Death registration in Sweden is handled by Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency), which maintains the civil registration records. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in Swedish, accompanied by a certified Swedish translation for Skatteverket registration. Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Health and Welfare) regulates funeral operations and the handling of human remains. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Skatteverket, Sweden, 2025; Socialstyrelsen, Sweden, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Sweden, 2025.)
Consular support
The Swedish Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact Skatteverket for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden 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 Swedish funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) handles civil registration. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified Swedish translation where not already in Swedish. Socialstyrelsen regulates the handling of human remains and funeral operations. Sweden joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1999. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with Skatteverket.
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