Re-certification of a death abroad

Prerequisites

The re-certification of the death is possible for:

• German citizens
• Stateless, homeless foreigners or foreign refugees with habitual residence in Germany

Eligible to apply are:

• the children
• the parents
• the spouse or partner of the deceased and
• the German diplomatic mission in whose area of responsibility the death occurred.

Documents required

• Foreign death certificate with translation, if necessary with legalization / apostille
• Proof of the deceased's registered address
• Identity card or passport of the applicant (or a recognized replacement personal document)
• Proof of the marital status of the deceased by means of a marriage certificate, possibly with a divorce decree or death certificate of the previously deceased spouse
• Birth certificate of the deceased
• Foreign documents with translation and apostille / legalization, if applicable

Was the deceased naturalized, entitled to asylum, stateless, homeless foreigner or refugee additionally:

• Naturalization certificate or proof of special status

In addition, it may be necessary to present further documents - please inquire about this in advance in writing or by telephone at the registry office.

Make an appointment to submit your application.

Please note

The registry office at the last German place of residence or the usual place of residence of the deceased is responsible. If this does not result in responsibility, then the registry office of the applicant's place of residence is responsible for the subsequent notarization, possibly also the registry office I in Berlin.

In all other cases: the registry office I in Berlin (see link)

Fees

Notarization in the death register EUR 62.50-258.50. Death certificate or certified printout from the death register EUR 14.50 - if ordered at the same time, each additional copy EUR 6.

Legal basis

• Section 36 Personal Status Act (PStG)


• Federal Expellees Act


• Citizenship Act