Steps for repatriating the deceased (Überführung) to the country of origin

Steps for repatriating a deceased person (Überführung) from Germany to the country of origin: A comprehensive guide for migrants

When a member of a migrant community dies in Germany, the decision to repatriate the body to the home country is painful, but for many families highly important – out of respect for tradition and religion and the wish to bury the deceased among family members in their homeland.
However, this step requires precise official procedures and coordination with German and international authorities. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide that explains the steps of Überführung in detail, taking into account differences based on nationality and consular regulations.

1. Officially registering the death

• Contact the doctor (family doctor or emergency doctor) so that a medical death certificate (Todesbescheinigung) is issued.

• Notify the local registry office (Standesamt) in the city where the death occurred to obtain the official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde).

• Request several copies of the Sterbeurkunde, as some will be needed for repatriation and others for inheritance and legal matters.

2. Choosing a funeral home specialized in international repatriation

Not every funeral home in Germany is qualified to repatriate bodies abroad. It is advisable to:

• Choose a company with experience in international repatriation (internationaler Leichentransport).

• Make sure the company takes care of coordinating with the consulate, airlines, and customs/health authorities and prepares all necessary documents.

• Some funeral homes offer special services for Muslims, including ritual washing (Ghusl) and Islamic shrouding (Kafan).

3. Obtaining the necessary documents for repatriation

The most important documents required for repatriating the deceased include:

• Official death certificate (Sterbeurkunde)

• The deceased’s passport (if available)

• Authorization to transport the body from the health authorities (Leichenpass or clearance from the Gesundheitsamt)

• Embalming certificate (if needed – depending on the destination country)

• Certificate of ritual washing (for Islamic burial)

• Consular or embassy authorization confirming that the body will be accepted in the country of origin

• Customs export clearance for human remains (Zollfreigabe für Human Remains)

Some countries require that the body be transported in a metal coffin (Zinksarg) or in a special sealed body bag with secure packaging.

4. Coordination with consulate and embassy

• Inform the consulate of the deceased’s home country as soon as possible.

• Some embassies provide administrative or partial financial assistance, depending on the family’s situation.

• Obtain a “no objection” letter or similar authorization for repatriation to the home country.

• Some consulates require copies of the passport, the death certificate, and the relatives’ IDs.

5. Booking the flight

• The flight is booked exclusively by the specialized funeral home.

• The body is transported as cargo, not as a passenger.

• Transport from the airport in the country of destination to the burial site is organized in coordination with the family or a representative in the home country.

Major airlines that regularly handle repatriations include Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc, and Lufthansa.

6. Costs of repatriation

Costs vary depending on the destination but are usually:

• Between approximately 2,500 and 6,000 euros on average.

The total amount may increase if a metal coffin is required, if the body must be transported from a remote area, or if special religious services are requested.
It is advisable to check whether there is a death insurance policy or support available from the Sozialamt (social welfare office).

7. Follow-up steps after arrival in the home country

• The body is received in the home country by the responsible funeral service or the designated local contact.

• Burial is carried out according to local religious rules or family customs.

• Any legal and inheritance-related matters in Germany (e.g. property, bank accounts, ongoing contracts) should be followed up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a deceased person be buried abroad without authorization from Germany?
No. A medical clearance and export authorization for the body are always required.

Is it possible to repatriate the body by land or sea?
In theory, yes, to certain neighboring European countries, but this is very rare and involves additional formalities.

Is repatriation without embalming allowed?
Yes, but it depends on the destination country’s regulations. Some countries require embalming or a hermetically sealed metal coffin.

Can the family handle all steps on their own?
This is not advisable, as the procedures are complex and require knowledge of customs, health, and aviation regulations. It is strongly recommended to rely on a professional funeral company.

Conclusion

Repatriating a deceased person from Germany to the country of origin is not a simple task. It is a sensitive administrative process that requires careful coordination with several parties: the municipality, the funeral home, the embassy, and the airline.
With early preparation, the choice of a specialized company, and familiarity with the legal requirements, a family can honor their loved one in a dignified and respectful way in their homeland.

The editorial team of the website makes every effort to provide accurate information by conducting thorough research and consulting multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties may still occur. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded as an initial reference only, and you should always contact the competent authorities to obtain binding, officially confirmed information.