Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Romania to Germany
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Repatriation from Romania to Germany: what to expect
Romanian nationals form one of the largest EU migrant communities in Germany. This corridor handles cases where a Germany-based Romanian has a family member die in Romania and needs remains brought to Germany.
- Key document: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
- Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office) within 3 days.
- Germany Embassy in Bucharest can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Romania
Repatriation from Romania begins at the local level: contacting the emergency services on 112, then registering the death with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office) and obtaining a certified local death certificate, which usually takes 3-7 days. A death that is violent, suspicious or unexplained falls under the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor's Office, which may require a post-mortem first. With the paperwork complete, the body is embalmed, sealed in a zinc-lined coffin, and cleared for export before being flown to Germany as air cargo. A funeral director in Germany then takes custody. The full process most often takes 1-2 weeks.
Step by step
Timeline: Romania 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. Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila) obtained.
Death must be registered with the Stare Civila (Civil Status Office). Prosecutor's Office may be involved.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany Embassy in Bucharest 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 3-7 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Germany
Once all documentation complete. Germany cargo terminal
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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Romania to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Romania to Germany takes 1-2 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 7-10 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Romania is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member, which simplifies document legalisation.
The core documents are: Certificat de deces (death certificate from Stare Civila), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Export permit, Certified English translation of death certificate. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Germany Embassy in Bucharest can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Bucharest as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, suspicious, or unexplained deaths require a post-mortem, which adds time. The body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
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.
Cremation in Romania is available. Bringing the ashes home to Germany is often simpler than full body repatriation. You will need the Certificat de deces, cremation certificate, and urn transport documentation.
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 Bucharest 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 Romania, 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 Romania (gov.uk) · Romania repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions