A dignified, fully-managed repatriation to the United Kingdom. We handle the paperwork, coordinate with the authorities in both countries, and bring your loved one home with care.
The final price depends on the region of departure, whether the deceased travels by air or road and the cause of death. We confirm a firm quote at first contact.
*Estimated from when the death is registered. Our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
Germany is a frequent route, with a large British community around Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and the former garrison towns, alongside constant business travel. When a death occurs in Germany, bringing your loved one home to the UK brings together the German authorities, the receiving arrangements in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and the transport itself. We coordinate all three, so the family does not have to travel to Germany or deal directly with German offices in a language they may not speak. If you are at the very start of this, our repatriation hub explains the process in plain terms.
Because Germany is a member of the European Union, the paperwork is well defined. The German death certificate is available in an international multilingual version, which the receiving funeral director and registrar in the UK can generally read without a separate translation.
The death is reported to the local registry office (Standesamt) within a few working days, and the Standesamt issues the official death certificate — the Sterbeurkunde (an Internationale Sterbeurkunde with an English translation is available). For international transport, a Leichenpass (mortuary passport) is issued, authorising the deceased to be carried out of Germany. German rules require a sealed, zinc-lined transport casket. We obtain these on the family's behalf while the deceased is prepared by the German funeral director (Bestatter).
The deceased is embalmed and placed in a sealed, zinc-lined transport casket as German rules require for international carriage. For most of Germany the deceased travels by air freight to a UK airport; from the west of the country a road transfer via the Channel is sometimes an option. Our team collects the deceased from the German funeral home or hospital and manages the journey through to the receiving funeral director in the UK.
Once in the UK, the family can arrange the funeral. For a burial, the foreign death certificate is generally sufficient. For a cremation, the coroner in England and Wales must give authority first — this is the Cremation Form 6, issued once the coroner is satisfied there is no need for further investigation (in Scotland this role falls to the procurator fiscal; in Northern Ireland, the coroner). You can read more about the coroner's role in England in our resource centre. We liaise with the coroner's office so this is in place without delay.
A repatriation from Germany typically takes 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 800 km. The timing depends on the region of departure, registration at the Standesamt and issue of the Leichenpass, and the circumstances of the death: where the death is referred to the prosecutor for investigation, release can take longer.
This estimate is counted from when the death is registered, and our team does everything possible to complete the repatriation sooner.
We quote a firm price for the services included at first contact, with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the region of departure, whether the deceased travels by air or road, the cause of death, and local funeral-home and administrative fees. Families are often unaware that a UK-based estate or insurance policy, or travel insurance held by the deceased, may cover part of the cost — we are happy to talk this through openly.
We handle the entire administrative and logistical process in German and in English, keep the family informed at every stage, and are contactable 24/7. Our aim is that the distance between Germany and home should never translate into lost days or added distress at the worst possible time.
Last verified July 2026.
Common questions about bringing someone who has died abroad home to the UK — the paperwork, timescales, costs, and who arranges each step.
The core documents are the Sterbeurkunde from the Standesamt (an international multilingual version is available) and the Leichenpass (mortuary passport) authorising international transport, together with the medical, embalming and freedom-from-infection certificates. German rules require a sealed, zinc-lined transport casket.
Where a cremation is planned in England and Wales, the coroner must also authorise it (Cremation Form 6). We obtain all of the German documents on your behalf.
Typically 5–7 days from first contact to arrival in the UK, over a distance of roughly 800 km. Germany's paperwork is well defined, which keeps the timing predictable.
The timing depends on the region of departure, registration at the Standesamt and issue of the Leichenpass, and the circumstances of the death. Where the death is referred to the prosecutor, release can take longer.
The Leichenpass is Germany's mortuary passport — the document that authorises a deceased person to be carried across the border for international transport. It accompanies the coffin together with the Sterbeurkunde and the transport certificates.
We obtain the Leichenpass on the family's behalf as part of the documentation for the journey.
No. We have German-speaking coordinators who deal directly with the Standesamt and the funeral director. The family does not need to travel or communicate with the German authorities.
The whole process is arranged remotely on the basis of a simple written authorisation sent by email or WhatsApp.
The quoted price covers the German documentation, embalming, a sealed zinc-lined transport casket, the Leichenpass, transport to the UK and handover to your funeral director.
We confirm a firm quote at first contact with no hidden costs. The final figure depends on the region of departure, the mode of transport, the cause of death and local fees.
When choosing, it was hard — we'd never done anything like this before. We definitely chose the right company; their whole ethos is built around caring. From start to finish, Sebastian and his team worked tirelessly for a smooth process and took all the stress away. Our family can't thank Funero enough.
I can't speak highly enough of Sebastian and the Funero team. I'll admit I was slightly worried about using them as they were far more competitive — but their service was impeccable, with regular, timely communication that was a huge comfort at a difficult time.
Funero truly stands out — caring staff, affordable prices and excellent communication. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and respectful, making a difficult time a little easier, and affordable without ever compromising on quality or care.
I'm from Sydney and lost my brother in London. I was lucky to find Funero to help with the repatriation. Sebastian was fast, helpful and available at all times — they made the whole process easy for me. Highly recommended!
Every colleague at Funero went over and above during the repatriation of our loved one, from the first moment to the end and beyond. They spared no effort to make it happen far sooner than usual, treated our loved one with outstanding respect, and their empathy made an unbearable time feel manageable. Your loved ones will be in the best of hands.
Considering the shock and our lack of knowledge, Sebastian and Mihai were absolutely amazing with their help and guidance. It was an emotionally draining time, but they are calm, polite, empathetic and warm — from practical advice to personal effort and so much patience. We can't thank them enough.
An exceptionally professional and compassionate team. During one of the most painful moments of my life they went above and beyond, offering genuine support and care. Thanks to their kindness and dedication, the burden of losing my mother was made a little easier. I am deeply grateful for their respect, empathy and humanity.
Our loved one died on holiday in Egypt and, as a family of modest means, what felt impossible was made possible. Funero was the only company that didn't ask for money upfront, which gave us time to fundraise — and their quote was more than reasonable. They kept us informed every step, translated everything, and their reps in Egypt worked so hard for us. We can't thank them enough for bringing our loved one home.
Speak to a repatriation specialist any time, day or night — we'll guide you through every step.
