Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Germany
For families bringing someone home to Germany. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Italy to Germany: what to expect
Italian nationals work in Germany as part of the long-established EU freedom of movement. This corridor handles cases where a Germany-based Italian has a family member die in Italy and needs remains brought to Germany.
- Key documents: Certificato di morte (death certificate) from the comune
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Variation between northern and southern Italy comuni.
- Post-mortem ordered by procuratore if death is sudden, violent, or cause unknown.
- Germany Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Germany: +49 30 5000 2000).
Family or travel insurer
Death registered at local comune. Certificato di morte and atti di morte issued.
Doctor provides initial certificate. Comune registers and issues the atti di morte.
Local funeral director and comune
Germany Embassy in Rome notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming (imbalsamazione or tanatoprassi)
Italian funeral industry is professional.
Licensed local funeral director
Nulla osta and all export permits obtained
Allow 5-14 days for full documentation. Post-mortem cases take longer.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), or Venice (VCE)
Once all documentation complete and nulla osta issued.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Germany funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
The process
Key steps for repatriation from Italy
Contact emergency services (112). A doctor certifies the death. Death must be registered at the local comune. The doctor provides the initial certificate and the comune issues the atti di morte.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Germany takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-10 days. Complex cases involving the procuratore della Repubblica can take 4-8 weeks.
The nulla osta is the clearance document from the comune or, when the procuratore is involved, from the prosecutor's office. It authorises release of the body for international repatriation and cannot be bypassed.
The core documents are: Certificato di morte, Nulla osta (clearance), Embalming certificate (certificato di imbalsamazione), Freedom from infection certificate.
The Germany Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Rome 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 Italy and bringing the ashes home to Germany is an option. You will need the certificato di morte, cremation certificate, and nulla osta.
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.
Consular support
German Embassy in Rome can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. The German 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 Italy, 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 Germany.
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 Italy (gov.uk) · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions