Death abroad: Apply for certification in the German death register

Prerequisites

• The death occurred abroad or on a foreign vessel. The deceased person was
  • German citizens,
  • a stateless, homeless person or foreign refugee with habitual residence in Germany.
• You are eligible to apply if:
  • child of the deceased person,
  • Parents of the deceased person,
  • the spouse or life partner of the deceased person or
  • German diplomatic mission in whose area of responsibility the death occurred

Documents required

• Foreign death certificate with translation, if necessary with legalization or apostille (certification of authenticity)
• Proof of the deceased's registered address
• Your identity card or passport (or a recognized alternative identity document)
• Proof of the marital status of the deceased person by marriage certificate, if applicable with divorce decree or death certificate of the predeceased spouse
• Birth certificate of the deceased person
• foreign documents, if necessary with translation and apostille or legalization
• was the deceased naturalised, entitled to asylum, stateless, homeless alien or refugee in addition:
  • Naturalization certificate or proof of special status
• If necessary, you will receive further required documents from the responsible authority

Please note

If the death occurred during a sea voyage outside the vessel - but not on land or in a domestic port - the deceased person was picked up by a foreign vessel.

The registry office at the deceased person's last German residence or habitual place of residence is responsible. If no jurisdiction is found, the registry office at the applicant's place of residence or the Registry Office I in Berlin is responsible for the subsequent registration.

Deadlines

no

Procedure

• You submit the application for subsequent registration of a death from abroad with all necessary documents to the responsible authority.
• The responsible authority will review your information and documents. If necessary, they will request additional documents or information from you.
• The death is recorded in the German death register.
• You can apply for a German death certificate.

Processing time

Processing usually takes several weeks.

Fees

Registration in the death register: from €84.00


Death certificate or certified copy from the death register: 19.50 euros


When ordered at the same time, each additional copy costs €8.50.




Additional services, such as issuing an apostille or providing translations, may incur further costs.

Legal remedies

No legal remedy is provided.

Legal basis

Section 37 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__37.html




Section 36 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__36.html




Section 31 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstg/__31.html




Federal Expellees Act (BVFG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bvfg/BJNR002010953.html




Nationality Act (StAG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/BJNR005830913.html