Death abroad Notarisation

If you would like to have a death abroad certified in Germany, you can apply to the competent authority.

Duly issued death certificates from abroad are generally recognised in Germany. There is no obligation to re-notarize.

However, the subsequent entry in the death register can be advantageous, because the local registry office can then issue you with a German death certificate. Any translations and certifications of the foreign death certificate will thus be omitted in the future.

the registry office

• at the last German place of residence or residence of the deceased person, or
• at the German place of residence or residence of the person entitled to apply (e.g. German place of residence of the children of the person who died abroad)

In all other cases: the registry office I in Berlin

Standesamt I in Berlin
Schönstedtstrasse 5
13357 Berlin (Mitte)
Phone: + 49 30 - 90 269-5000
fax: + 49 30 - 90 269-5245

Opening hours:
Mon closed
Tue: 09:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed: closed
Thu: 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Fri: closed

• foreign death certificate with translation, possibly with legalisation/apostille
• Identity card or passport of the applicant (or a recognised replacement identity document)

Documents of the deceased:

• Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree)
• Birth certificate

Was the deceased naturalised, entitled to asylum, stateless, homeless foreigner or refugee in addition:

• Certificate of naturalisation or proof of special status

In addition, the submission of further documents may be required – please inquire about this in advance at the registry office.

The subsequent certification of the death is possible for:

• German citizens
• Stateless, homeless foreigners or foreign refugees habitually resident in Germany

Eligible applicants are:

• the children,
• the parents,
• the spouse or partner of the deceased person, and
• the German mission abroad in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

Details on the modalities and the documents that the registry office requires from you in detail, please inquire there in advance by telephone.

• Compile the necessary documents and visit the registry office.
• The registrar checks whether certification by a German registry office is possible.
• If the conditions are met, the entry in the death register can take place.

If necessary, the registry office will issue you with a death certificate after registration has been completed.

For the certification of a death, fees of 47.00 euros are incurred, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute; additional fees may apply.