Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from South Africa 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 South Africa to Germany: what to expect
South African nationals in Germany include academics, professionals in the automotive and engineering sectors, and students. Germany and South Africa have strong bilateral ties across trade and investment, with German companies including BMW and Volkswagen having major manufacturing operations in South Africa. South Africa is a significant export market for German goods. English and Afrikaans documentation from South Africa requires certified German translation for Standesamt purposes. The German Embassy in Pretoria handles consular matters.
- Key documents: South African death certificate (BI-1663, Home Affairs registered) and Embalming certificate
- Documentation takes 5-14 days. Documentation is in English throughout.
- Germany Embassy in Pretoria can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
The repatriation process from South Africa
Call 10177 for ambulance or 10111 for police. Unexpected deaths must be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Death registered with the local Department of Home Affairs. A certified BI-1663 form is issued as the death certificate.
Step by step
Timeline: South Africa 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 with Home Affairs. BI-1663 death certificate issued.
Funeral director handles registration. Documents in English throughout.
Local funeral director and Home Affairs
Embassy or consulate notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. The embassy or consulate can provide a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation
South African funeral industry is professional and experienced with international repatriation.
Licensed local funeral director
Export documentation completed
Allow 5-14 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT)
Once all documentation complete.
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
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 Pretoria can advise on document requirements for repatriation to Germany. The German Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from South Africa to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from South Africa to Germany takes 10-21 days. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving a SAPS investigation or death in a remote area can take 4-8 weeks.
The core documents are: South African death certificate (BI-1663), Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, and Passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Germany Embassy in Pretoria can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Pretoria as soon as possible after the death.
On the day of death, contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country and a repatriation specialist. Do not instruct a local funeral director before speaking to the specialist.
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 South Africa and bringing the ashes home to Germany is an option. You will need the BI-1663 death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit. Ashes can be carried on a passenger flight.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in South Africa, 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 South Africa (gov.uk) · South Africa repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions