Death certificate issuance

In the event of death, you can apply for a death certificate as a relative of the deceased.

The death certificate is a document that certifies the death of a person.

Any death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

The death certificate is an important document that you as a relative can apply for in the event of death.

You can apply for a death certificate as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register.

The death certificate is important for, for example:

• the burial and its preparation (e.g. for coffin and transfer) and
• the settlement of the estate
• the use of statutory or private insurance benefits.

You can apply for a death certificate in person, in writing or electronically at the responsible registry office.

The registry office that certified the death.

The registry office that certified the death.

When applying, you must submit:

• Identity card or passport
• Proof of kinship, such as
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Civil partnership certificate
• if collected by a representative:
  • written power of attorney of the entitled person,
  • their identity card in original or certified copy and
  • your own ID card
• for other persons, such as close relatives:
  • Proof of legitimate interest, such as
    • Certificate of inheritance
    • Land register excerpt

• Forms: yes
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: no

Hint:
As a rule, applications can be made via the website of the responsible registry office.
 

An application for a death certificate may be submitted:

• the last spouse,
• the last civil partner within the meaning of the Act on Registered Civil Partnership,
• ancestors and descendants of the deceased person, or
• siblings with a legitimate interest,
• closer relatives, such as
  • Aunts and uncles who can demonstrate a legal interest, for example through a letter from the probate court.

• Contradiction
• Administrative court action
   

You can apply for the death certificate at the competent registry office in person, in writing or electronically.

Personal application:

• Go to your local registry office during opening hours to apply for a death certificate.
• You must present your identity card or passport for legitimation.
• You usually pay the fee when applying at the registry office.
• You can also apply for the death certificate and have it collected by a person you trust. In addition to a written power of attorney, this person must present their own identity card or passport (original or certified copy).

Application by post, fax or e-mail:

• Send the competent registry office an informal application for a death certificate by post, fax or e-mail.
• Your letter should address your eligibility to apply.
• They must contain the following information about the deceased person:
  • Surname, first name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date and place of death
  • where applicable, details of the spouse of the deceased
  • Registry office and notarization number (if known)
• When you send the certificate, you will receive a fee notice.

none

• for the processing of the application: usually 1 week

12.00 euros (if each additional copy is ordered at the same time, 6.00 euros each), unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute.