Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Taiwan
For families bringing someone home to Taiwan. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Taiwan: what to expect
Germany and Taiwan maintain trade and economic relations through the German Institute Taipei and the Taipei Representative Office in Germany, and there is a Taiwanese community resident in major German cities. When a Taiwanese national dies in Germany and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Taiwan, the death is registered with the local Standesamt (civil registry). The Sterbeurkunde is issued in German and requires certified Traditional Chinese translation for submission to the Household Registration Office in Taiwan. The Taipei Representative Office in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements. Taiwan is not a formal Hague Apostille Convention member; consular authentication through the Taipei Representative Office is required.
- 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.
- Taiwan Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to Taiwan
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
Taiwan 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 Taiwan
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Taiwan funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Taiwan
When the body arrives in Taiwan
The Taiwanese funeral director takes custody at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) cargo terminal. Death registration in Taiwan is handled by the Household Registration Office (huji suo) under the Ministry of the Interior. The death certificate (sijin zhengmingshu) is issued in Traditional Chinese; all foreign documents require certified Traditional Chinese translation. Taiwan is not a formal member of the Hague Apostille Convention, as most countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; document authentication follows bilateral arrangements. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Taiwan representative office or trade office in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Taiwan. As Taiwan is not formally represented through embassies in most countries, consular matters are handled through the Taipei Representative Office or an equivalent trade and economic office. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Household Registration Office in Taiwan for civil registration queries.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Taiwan
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Taiwan takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 2-3 weeks. Complex cases can take 8-12 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 Taiwan Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Taiwan 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 Taiwanese funeral director takes custody at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) cargo terminal. The Household Registration Office (huji suo) under the Ministry of the Interior registers the death and issues the death certificate in Traditional Chinese. All foreign documents require certified Traditional Chinese translation. Taiwan is not a formal Hague Apostille Convention member; document authentication follows bilateral arrangements through the Taipei Representative Office or equivalent trade office. 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.
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 Taiwan.
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