Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Germany
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Quick answer
Repatriation from the United Kingdom to Germany: what to expect
Germany is home to around 100,000 British nationals, concentrated in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. British nationals work in Germany across technology, automotive, finance, and professional services. The UK-Germany migration corridor is among the most active in Europe, and many British families have dual connections to both countries. The British Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When someone from the United Kingdom dies and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Germany, the death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. The UK death certificate is apostilled; both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. The German Embassy in London can advise on documentation requirements for the Standesamt. A certified German translation is required. (FCDO Travel Advice: Germany, 2025; Standesamt, Bundesministerium des Innern, Germany, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 3-7 days (coroner cases longer). Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Contact the Germany High Commission or Embassy in London for documentation requirements. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) promptly.
- Germany Embassy in London can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: the United Kingdom to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 999 for emergency services. Contact the Germany High Commission or Embassy in London.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the local register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI). Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany High Commission or Embassy in London 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 (coroner cases longer). Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Germany
Once all documentation complete.
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
The process
What happens after a death in the United Kingdom
Call 999 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or, where necessary, the coroner. The death must be registered at the local register office in England and Wales within 5 days, or with the National Records of Scotland or GRONI in Northern Ireland. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths and must issue a removal order before the body can leave England and Wales. The United Kingdom is a Hague Apostille Convention member. Coroner cases add time: the coroner must be satisfied the body may leave before issuing the order for removal out of England and Wales.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United Kingdom to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United Kingdom to Germany 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 register office (or National Records of Scotland / GRONI) promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: 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 Germany Embassy in London can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in London as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The German funeral director takes custody at the receiving airport cargo terminal. The local Standesamt registers the death and issues the Sterbeurkunde. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and accompanied by a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung). The Staatsanwaltschaft handles violent or unexplained deaths. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required. The receiving funeral director coordinates with the local Standesamt.
Cremation in the United Kingdom is widely available. A second medical certificate is required for cremation before the body can be removed. If the coroner is involved, a coroner's certificate replaces the second medical certificate. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
In Germany
When the body arrives in Germany
The German funeral director takes custody at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) cargo terminal, depending on the final destination. Death registration in Germany is handled by the local Standesamt (civil registry office) in the municipality where the death is registered. The Sterbeurkunde (death certificate) is issued in German. Foreign death certificates must be apostilled and, where not in German, accompanied by a certified German translation (beglaubigte Ubersetzung) for the Standesamt. The Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965; apostille certificates from member states are accepted. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for all air imports. (Standesamt, Bundesministerium des Innern, Germany, 2025; FCDO Travel Advice: Germany, 2025.)
Consular support
The German Embassy or Consulate in London can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Germany. Germany joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Standesamt in the receiving municipality for civil registration queries.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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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 · the United Kingdom repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions