Apply for a death certificate — procedure, costs & important information

Apply for a death certificate retrospectively — Here's how

If a death certificate has been lost or is required retrospectively, it can be re-issued at any time from responsible registry office be requested. The same rules apply as when the first issue was issued.

Who can apply for a death certificate retrospectively?

The right to apply remains unchanged:

• Spouses or registered partners
• Children, parents and heirs
• executor
• Authorized persons or undertakers such as Memovida

How is the subsequent application made?

• Personally: Directly at the registry office of the place of death with proof of identity
• In writing: Application by mail with copies of required documents
• Online: Many registry offices now offer digital application processes

What documents are required?

• Applicant's identity card or passport
• Proof of eligibility (e.g. certificate of inheritance, family register)
• If available: copy of the original death certificate

Death certificate in case of death abroad

When a person dies abroad, applying for the death certificate is a bit more complicated. In this case, the death certificate is issued by the competent authorities of the respective country. Further steps are often necessary for it to be recognized in Germany.

Which authorities are responsible?

• Registry office in the country of death: The death certificate is issued where the death occurred.
• German embassy or consulate: Can help obtain the certificate or issue a consular certificate.
• Registry office in Germany: Relatives can re-register the foreign death certificate at the registry office of the deceased's last place of residence.

What documents are required?

• Original of foreign death certificate
• Translation by a sworn translatorif the document is not in German
• Apostille or legalization, if necessary (confirmation of authenticity by authorities)
• ID card or passport of the deceased
• Proof of eligibility to apply for (e.g. inheritance certificate, family register)

Validity of a foreign death certificate in Germany

• One EU death certificate is usually easily recognized in Germany.
• For documents from Non-EU countries Can a Apostille or legalization be necessary.
• If the document is not recognized, it can be sent to the German registry office retrospectively in death register be registered.

Since the formalities vary from country to country, Memovida supports relatives in obtaining, translating and recognizing foreign death certificates and, upon request, will communicate with the authorities.

What is the death certificate required for?

The death certificate is a central proof of a person's death and is required for numerous official and private matters. It serves as an official document to confirm the identity of the deceased and initiate important legal processes.

Burial and grave use rights

• The burial cannot be carried out without a death certificate.
• It is required in order to Cemetery administration or the crematorium to inform.
• With Election graves Is the document required to apply for or extend grave use rights.

Inheritance matters

• The death certificate is a prerequisite for Applying for a certificate of inheritance in the probate court.
• It is required in order to Opening wills and to settle hereditary claims.
• Banks and notaries require them as proof of Account approval and transfer of assets.

Deregistration from insurance companies, banks and the pension office

• Pension insurance institutions need the death certificate in order to pension rights to verify or stop payments.
• Life and accident insurance requires the certificate in order to Disburse benefits to beneficiaries.
• Banks and financial institutions are calling on them to Account cancellations or transfers to carry out.

Termination of rental agreements and current contracts

• Landlords need the death certificate to Terminate rental agreements in due form or to transfer to heirs.
• It is used at deregistering electricity, water and telephone contracts needed.
• Subscriptions, memberships and other contractual obligations can thus be canceled.

Death Certificate FAQs

What do I need to get a death certificate?

For the application, the death certificate, the identity card of the deceased and, depending on marital status, other documents such as Birth or marriage certificate required.

Who is entitled to the death certificate?

Spouses, children, parents, heirs and appointed undertakers such as Memovida may apply for a death certificate.

How long does it take for a death certificate to be issued?

As a rule, it is issued within a few days, often immediately when all documents are available.

Who has to take care of the death certificate?

The next of kin or the undertaker, if he — such as Memovida — was commissioned with the application.

How many original death certificates do you need?

At least 3 to 5 pieces for authorities, banks, insurance and inheritance matters. Depending on the package, Memovida includes up to 3 death certificates.

Is burial possible without a death certificate?

No, the death certificate is mandatory to carry out the funeral.

Is a death certificate the same as a death certificate?

No, the Death certificate is issued by the doctor and contains medical information while the death certificate comes from the registry office and is used for official purposes.

Can an undertaker apply for a death certificate?

Yes Memovida takes over this administrative procedure upon request for relatives.

Is the cause of death on the death certificate?

Yes, the cause of death is on the death certificate, but not on the death certificate.