Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to Turkey
For families bringing someone home to Turkey. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Germany to Turkey: what to expect
Germany to Turkey is one of the highest-volume tourist and cultural corridors in Europe, with millions of German tourists visiting Turkey annually. Germany also has a large Turkish-German community that maintains family ties in Turkey, making this a consistent bilateral repatriation corridor in both directions. German documentation requires certified Turkish translation for Turkish civil registry purposes. The Turkish Embassy in Berlin handles consular matters. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Turkey 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 Turkey
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Turkey: +90 312 292 2000).
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
Turkey 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
Turkey funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Turkey
When the body arrives in Turkey
The Turkish funeral director (cenaze firması) takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) cargo terminal. A transit certificate (transit belgesi) must accompany the remains. The municipality (belediye) registers the death in the nüfus müdürlüğü (population directorate). The Turkish Ministry of Health clearance is required before burial or cremation. All foreign documents not in Turkish require certified Turkish translation. (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Turkish Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Turkey. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +90 312 292 2000 (24 hours). The Turkish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to Turkey
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to Turkey 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 Turkey Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Turkey Embassy in Berlin as soon as possible after the death.
The Turkish funeral director (cenaze firması) takes custody at Istanbul Airport (IST) cargo terminal. A transit certificate (transit belgesi) must accompany the remains. The municipality (belediye) registers the death. The Turkish Ministry of Health clearance is required. All foreign documents require certified Turkish translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local municipal authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Germany and bringing the ashes home to Turkey 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 Turkey.
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