Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Switzerland
For families bringing someone home to Switzerland. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Germany to Switzerland: what to expect
German nationals and professionals form a significant community in German-speaking Switzerland, particularly in Zurich and Basel, working in finance, engineering, pharmaceutical, and academic sectors. This corridor handles cases where a Switzerland-based German national has a family member die in Germany and needs remains brought to Switzerland. German documentation is straightforward for Swiss authorities, and direct rail and air links connect the two countries.
- Key documents: Sterbeurkunde (from Standesamt) and Totenschein (medical death certificate)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. The Leichenpass is Germany's unique body-transport document.
- Switzerland 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 Switzerland
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Switzerland: +41 800 24-7-365).
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
Switzerland 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
Switzerland funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Switzerland
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Switzerland 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 Switzerland Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Switzerland Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt registers the death. The Kantonsarzt may inspect the remains on arrival. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the cantonal authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Germany and bringing the ashes home to Switzerland is often simpler and less costly. German crematoria operate to high standards. You will need the Sterbeurkunde, cremation certificate, and possibly an export permit.
In Switzerland
When the body arrives in Switzerland
The Swiss Bestatter (funeral director) takes custody at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) cargo terminal. A Leichentransportschein (body transport permit) must accompany the coffin. The Zivilstandsamt (civil registry) registers the death. The Kantonsarzt (cantonal health officer) may inspect the remains on arrival. Switzerland is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in German, French, or Italian require certified translation. (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, FDFA, 2025.)
Consular support
Swiss Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Switzerland. Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) helpline for Swiss residents abroad: +41 800 24-7-365 (24 hours). The Swiss 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 Switzerland.
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