Death abroad checklist

A death far from home brings with it many questions and hurdles — find out what counts now and how you don't miss anything important.

The most important things at a glance

  • Call the police or emergency services immediately in case of death abroad.
  • Contact the local German embassy or consulate.
  • Have the death determined and documented by a doctor.
  • The death certificate must be correct, translated and certified.
  • Special documents and permits are required for returns.
  • Transporting an urn is often easier and less expensive.
  • Burial abroad is possible — depending on the country and wishes.
  • Repatriation usually costs amount to several thousand euros.

First Steps in the Event of a Death Abroad

A death abroad is an exceptional stressful situation for relatives. It is important to act quickly and prudently. Here are the first steps you should take in such a case:

Emergency contacts and immediate measures

  • Call immediately the Local Police or Emergency Services On.
  • Leave one on site Doctor Officially Ascertained Death.
  • Write down the names and contact details of authorities, clinics, or witnesses.

Contacting the German Diplomatic Mission

  • Please contact the German embassy or consulate In the country of death.
  • These help with:
    • contacting authorities,
    • obtaining a death certificate,
    • and the organization of repatriation.

Notification of relatives

  • Inform close people in Germany as soon as possible.
  • On request, we can also take over from Memovida Communication with Relatives and Authorities — Discreet and Relieving.

Which documents do you need

Various documents are required for repatriation to Germany or burial abroad. The formalities may vary from country to country — we from Memovida Provide you with reliable and competent support.

Death certificate from abroad

  • Die Local Death Certificate Is the most important document.
  • This is issued by the competent authority in the country of death.
  • Make sure that all information is correct (name, date of birth, place of death, etc.).

Translations and Certifications

  • In many cases, the death certificate must translated into German Become.
  • In some countries, there is an additional Apostille or consular legalization necessary.
  • We would be happy to do for you:
    • Which Organization of Qualified Translations
    • As well as the attestation of documents.

Further documents for the transfer

  • Passport or identity card of the deceased
  • Proof of Nationality (if required)
  • Transfer Permit (depending on destination country)
  • If applicable, documents about the cause of death (with certain transport requirements)

Note: At Memovida, we take care of the complete collection of documents — so that you are not alone during this difficult time.

In 3 steps to your non-binding offer

You can make yourself a free offer here or simply give us a call. In any case, we will provide you with a non-binding consultation, discuss any questions you may have and how you would like your funeral to proceed.

Transfer to Germany — Process and Requirements

Returning a deceased person to Germany is a complex process that requires precise planning and experience. At Memovida, we support you with care, respect and organizational security.

Who organizes the Repatriation?

As a rule, Relatives Commission a Funeral home with international experience — like Memovida.

We take care of:

  • Coordination with the Foreign Undertaker
  • all necessary transport documents,
  • Transfer by plane or special vehicle,
  • and coordination with authorities in both countries.

Difference between coffin and urn transfer

Coffin transfer:

  • The deceased is transported in a coffin.
  • There are strict regulations regarding hygiene, sealing and packaging.

Urn transfer:

  • The cremation takes place abroad, after which the urn is transferred to Germany.
  • In many cases, this is the easier and less expensive option.

We will give you individual advice on which option is possible and useful.

What are the rules for return shipments?

  • International returns are subject to specific Hygiene, Health and Customs Regulations.
  • Among other things, the following are required:
    • One Mortuary Pass Or a Urn approval,
    • evidence of the cause of death (e.g. in the case of infectious diseases),
    • And a Appropriate packaging in accordance with international standards.

With Memovida, you're on the safe side — we'll take care of a Legally compliant, respectful and rapid repatriation to Germany.

Alternative: Burial abroad

People who are abroad are not always repatriated to Germany. In many cases, relatives — or the deceased himself during his lifetime — would like a Burial abroad. We also support this journey from Memovida with great care and intercultural sensitivity.

Requirements for burial abroad

Burial on site is generally possible if the Circumstances of death clarified Are, all legal requirements of the respective country, and a Death Certificate available.

In addition, there is often an official Burial permit necessary. We will clarify all requirements for you directly with the responsible authorities.

Local Practices and Legal Regulations

Funeral rituals and regulations differ significantly from country to country. In some countries, only the cremation permitted. Insist in Others Fixed deadlines or religious requirements. Access to cemeteries or memorial sites can also be regulated regionally.

Memovida Coordinates the vote with Local Authorities and Undertakersto ensure a dignified process.

When a funeral abroad makes sense

A funeral abroad may be desired or recommended in the following cases:

  • The deceased was Residing abroad Or rooted there.
  • There is a emotional connection to the country (e.g. place of birth, long-term residence, desired location).
  • Repatriation would be disproportionately burdensome from an organizational or financial point of view.

In all cases, we will personally advise you whether a Burial on site possible, meaningful and respectful Is.

Unsere Standorte

Wir sind im Ernstfall für Sie 7 Tage die Woche und 24 Stunden am Tag telefonisch erreichbar. Unsere Bestattungsleistungen bieten wir deutschlandweit an, mit Hauptsitz in Berlin:

What are the costs of a death abroad?

A death abroad can be associated with considerable costs. These depend heavily on the country, regulatory requirements and the chosen form of burial. Memovida Helps you realistically assess the financial burden and find transparent solutions.

Repatriation costs

The costs of repatriation consist of several items:

  • Organization and Coordination With Authorities and Undertakers
  • Transportation of the Deceased (by plane or vehicle)
  • Coffin or Urn, Packaging in accordance with international regulations
  • document retrieval, translations, apostilles

On average, repatriation costs are several Thousand euros, depending on the country of origin.

Funeral Expenses Abroad vs. Germany

  • One Burial abroad Can be cheaper, but also significantly more expensive — depending on the country and type of funeral.
  • In Germany Benefit from well-known structures and transparent offers — Memovida will be happy to advise you on this.
  • It is also necessary to take into account Cemetery fees, Certificates, Funeral Services, Overnight Stays and Travel for Relatives.

Who covers the costs? (Insurance & Pensions)

The following insurance policies can help to cover all or part of the costs:

  • travel insurance With return protection
  • International health insurance
  • Funeral provision With international security
  • In some cases: Credit card services or ADAC memberships

Without insurance, they bear Relatives The costs themselves.

Frequently asked questions

What to do if you die while on vacation?

You should immediately call the local police or emergency services, have the death determined by a doctor and contact the German diplomatic mission.

What happens when a German dies abroad?

The German Embassy or Consulate helps to contact authorities, issue the death certificate and organise repatriation.

What to do in the event of death checklist?

The first steps include notifying emergency services, contacting the diplomatic mission, informing relatives and obtaining important documents.

Who helps in Case of Death Abroad?

The German Diplomatic Mission and Funeral Homes with International Experience, such as Memovida, provide relatives with comprehensive support.

How high are the costs of transporting a deceased person from abroad?

Repatriation usually costs several thousand euros, depending on the country and requirements.

Who pays transfer costs in the event of death abroad?

Without insurance, relatives bear the costs; otherwise, travel or international health insurance and funeral provisions can take effect.

Artikel von

Manuel Kaiser Founder & Managing Director

Manuel has worked in the service sector for many years, particularly in the digital sector. With Memovida, he wants to make burials easier and more transparent. His aim: a service that focuses on people and their needs — without complicated processes, but with genuine support in difficult times.

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Todesfall