Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from the United States to Germany
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Repatriation from the United States to Germany: what to expect
The United States maintains a large military and civilian presence in Germany, with US forces based at Ramstein, Grafenwoehr, and other installations, and a significant American civilian community in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. German-Americans form one of the largest ancestry groups in the United States, and family ties between the two countries are extensive. The US Embassy in Berlin is fully operational. When a person with German family connections dies in the United States, the death is registered with the state civil records office. The German Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation requirements for the Standesamt. Both countries are Hague Apostille Convention members. (FCDO Travel Advice: Germany, 2025; Standesamt, Bundesministerium des Innern, Germany, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- British Embassy or High Commission in Washington DC registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred promptly.
- Germany Embassy in Washington DC can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
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 Washington DC 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.
The process
What happens after a death in the United States
Call 911 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician or medical examiner. The death is registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Each US state operates its own civil records system. The coroner or medical examiner takes jurisdiction for violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths, with processes varying by state. The United States is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The British Embassy in Washington DC or the relevant British Consulate can assist British nationals.
Step by step
Timeline: the United States to Germany
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 911 for local emergency services.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state civil records office where the death occurred. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Germany Embassy in Washington DC 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 5-10 days. 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
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from the United States to Germany
In a straightforward case, repatriation from the United States 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 state civil records office where the death occurred promptly. Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) 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 Washington DC can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Germany Embassy in Washington DC as soon as possible after the death.
Violent, sudden, or unexplained deaths (medical examiner or coroner, varies by state) 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 States is widely available in all states. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has passed away in the United States, 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 · the United States repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions