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What is a mortuary pass?
The mortuary pass (French: laissez-passer mortuaire) is the central document for the international repatriation of a deceased person. It is comparable to a "passport for the deceased" and enables the legal border crossing of the coffin.
The mortuary pass contains: name, date of birth and nationality of the deceased, place and date of death, cause of death, details of embalming, the zinc coffin and the transport route. Without this document, no international repatriation is possible.
Where is the mortuary pass applied for?
Death abroad
The German embassy or consulate in the country of death issues the mortuary pass. The embassy coordinates with local authorities and certifies the necessary documents.
Death in Germany
The responsible public order office or registry office at the place of death issues the mortuary pass for repatriation abroad. In some federal states, the public health office handles this task.
Berlin Agreement (1937)
For repatriations between signatory states of the Berlin Agreement, a standardised form applies. Most European countries are members.
Strasbourg Agreement (1973)
Within Council of Europe member states, the simplified Strasbourg Agreement applies with a standardised mortuary pass form.
Required documents
To apply for the mortuary pass you will need:
Death certificate
The official death certificate from the country of death — in original or certified copy. For foreign-language certificates: certified translation.
Passport / identity card
A valid identity document of the deceased. If expired, a copy plus registration certificate usually suffices.
Embalming certificate
Proof of embalming to WHO standard — issued by the thanatopractor.
Medical certificate of death
The medical certificate of the cause of death. In cases of infectious diseases, additional hygiene certificates are required.
Costs and processing time
| Issuing authority | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Public order office Germany | 50–100 € | 1–2 working days |
| German embassy (Europe) | 100–200 € | 1–3 working days |
| German embassy (overseas) | 150–300 € | 2–5 working days |
| Consulate of destination country | 50–150 € | 1–3 working days |
We handle the complete application for the mortuary pass on your behalf — the costs are included in our all-inclusive packages.
Practical tips: Obtaining the mortuary pass more quickly
Processing can be significantly delayed by incomplete documentation. Our recommendations:
Submit documents in full
Missing documents are the most common reason for delays. We prepare an individual checklist for your destination country.
Prepare translations
All foreign-language documents must be certified translations. We work with sworn translators.
Do not forget the apostille
For many non-EU countries, documents require an apostille. This can add an additional 1 to 2 days.
Instruct a repatriation service
Professional repatriation services have direct contacts with authorities and can significantly expedite the process.
FAQ: Mortuary Pass
The mortuary pass is the official document for the international transport of a deceased person — comparable to a passport for the coffin.
Abroad, at the German embassy; in Germany, at the public order office or registry office at the place of death.
Between 50 and 300 euros, depending on the issuing authority. With us, the application is included in the all-inclusive price.
1 to 5 working days, depending on the authority and completeness of the documentation. We expedite the process.
Further guides
Death certificate from abroad
Recognition, apostille, translation — everything about foreign death certificates.
Death on holiday — What to do?
Step-by-step guide in the event of a death abroad.
Embalming explained
The embalming certificate is a prerequisite for the mortuary pass.