Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Greece to Germany
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Repatriation from Greece to Germany: what to expect
Greek nationals form one of Germany's older EU immigrant communities, with ties going back to guest worker programmes in the 1960s and deepened by economic migration since 2010. EU freedom of movement and the apostille framework simplify document authentication. Germany has Greece's largest diaspora community.
- Key documents: Greek death certificate (lixiarxiki praxi thanatou) and certified English translation
- Documentation takes 8-10 days per FCDO guidance. Island deaths add 1-4 extra days.
- British Embassy in Athens registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Post-mortem ordered by the prosecutor for sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths.
- Germany Embassy in Athens can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Germany
When the body arrives in Germany
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal, typically Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Berlin (BER). A Leichenpass (body transport passport) or equivalent laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The local Gesundheitsamt (public health authority) may inspect the remains on arrival. The receiving funeral director registers the death with the local Standesamt (civil registry) if required. (German Federal Foreign Office, Auswaertiges Amt, 2025.)
Consular support
German Embassy in Athens can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. Federal Foreign Office (Auswaertiges Amt) emergency assistance: +49 30 5000 2000 (24 hours). The German Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
Key steps for Greece to UK repatriation
Contact emergency services (112 or 166 for ambulance, 100 for police). A doctor certifies the death. Contact the Death registered at the local dimos (municipality) within 30 days. The lixiarxiki praxi thanatou is issued in Greek only and requires certified English translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Greece to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +49 30 5000 2000.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local dimos. Lixiarxiki praxi thanatou issued.
Must be registered within 30 days. Certificate in Greek only, translation required.
Local funeral director and dimos
Germany Embassy in Athens notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Internal mainland transfer (if island death) and embalming
Island transfers add 1-4 days. Embalming facilities on smaller islands may be limited.
Licensed local funeral director
Prosecutor authorisation and all export documentation completed
Allow 8-10 days per FCDO guidance. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Athens (ATH) to Germany
Once all documentation complete and prosecutor has authorised release.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Greece to Germany
In a straightforward mainland case, repatriation from Greece to Germany takes 8-12 days. Most cases take 10-21 days once translation and documentation time is factored in. Island deaths add at least 1-4 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem or prosecutor investigation can take 4-12 weeks.
Deaths on any Greek island require an internal transfer to the mainland, usually Athens, before international repatriation can proceed. This adds approximately 1-4 days and extra cost.
The core documents are: Greek death certificate (lixiarxiki praxi thanatou), certified English translation, Prosecutor authorisation for release, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate.
The Germany Embassy in Athens can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Athens as soon as possible after the death.
The German funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. A Leichenpass or laissez-passer must accompany the remains. The Gesundheitsamt may inspect the remains. The death is registered with the local Standesamt. All foreign documents must carry certified German translation where required.
Yes. Cremation in Greece is available but note that Greek Orthodox tradition favours burial and crematoria are limited. Bringing ashes home to the UK is simpler and less costly than full body repatriation.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Greece, 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 · Greece repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions