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Wandsbek District Office

Request excavation or reburial of bodies or urns of deceased persons

If you want to dig up and rebury the body or urn of a deceased person, you need a permit.

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Detailed description

Reburying the body or urn of a deceased person is not usually permitted as this would disturb the peace of the dead. However, in special cases you can apply for an exemption.

 

Information

Prerequisites

There must be a particularly important reason that justifies disturbing the peace of the dead.

Documents required

  • Informal application
  • Detailed explanation of the reasons justifying the excavation and reburial
  • Death certificate
  • Approval of the cemetery

Please note

  • Corpses may only be reburied between November and March.
  • The reburial does not begin a new rest period.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You submit your application together with the necessary documents to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any necessary documents or information from you.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application.
  • If applicable, you will receive a fee notice and pay the fees.
  • If you receive the exemption, the excavation and reburial will be carried out by the competent authority.

Processing time

Up to several months.

Fees

The administrative fees vary depending on the type and scope of your application. In addition, there are the costs for carrying out the excavation or reburial. The responsible authority will inform you accordingly upon your request.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

§ 9 Hamburg Funeral Act

www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-BestattGHA2020pP9


§ 29 Hamburg Funeral Act

www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-BestattGHA2020pP29

Address and contact information

Wandsbek District Office

Department of Social Affairs, Youth and Health
Department of Health
Administration
Statistics on causes of death

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and by telephone appointment.

Eingang für Rollstuhlfahrer: Robert-Schuman-Brücke 4

Processing takes place centrally in Wandsbek

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Keywords: Gravesites Rest period Cemetery

Last updated: 05.02.2025