Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Germany to the United States
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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 the United States: what to expect
Germany and the United States maintain close bilateral ties as NATO allies and major trade partners. A large German-American heritage community exists across the United States, and German nationals regularly travel to or work in the US in manufacturing, automotive, finance, and technology sectors. The US Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a German national dies in the United States and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Germany, the death is registered with the state civil records office. Both Germany and the United States are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025; US Department of State, 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.
- the United States Embassy in Berlin can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Germany to the United States
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
the United States 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 the United States
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
the United States funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Germany to the United States
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Germany to the United States 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 the United States Embassy in Berlin can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the the United States 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 US funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The death is registered with the relevant state civil records office. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation. The medical examiner or coroner handles violent or unexplained deaths. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. All imported human remains must comply with CDC importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin.
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.
In the United States
When the body arrives in the United States
The US funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal at the receiving city's international airport. Major cargo gateways include John F Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami (MIA), depending on the final destination. Each US state operates its own civil registration system. The death is registered with the state civil records office in the state where the remains are received. The medical examiner or coroner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths; processes vary by state and county. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. All imported human remains must comply with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) importation rules and be accompanied by an embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin. (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: USA, 2025.)
Consular support
The US Embassy or Consulate in Berlin can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to the United States. The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1981. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the state civil records office in the receiving state for civil registration queries. The CDC importation rules apply to all human remains entering the United States.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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