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Why must the death certificate be recognised?
When a family member dies abroad, the registry office of the country of death issues the death certificate. This foreign document is not automatically recognised in Germany — depending on the country of origin, it must be certified, translated and re-registered at the German registry office.
You need the recognised German death certificate for: inheritance matters, pension entitlements, insurance benefits, bank accounts, land registry changes and civil registration in Germany. We handle the entire process for you.
What is an apostille?
The apostille is a simplified form of certifying public documents under the Hague Convention of 1961. Over 120 countries have acceded to the convention. The apostille is affixed to the document by a competent authority of the issuing country and confirms its authenticity.
Apostille countries
EU states, Turkey, USA, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Australia and over 100 others. For these countries, the apostille is sufficient.
Legalisation
For countries that have not acceded to the Hague Convention (e.g. some African states), legalisation by the German embassy is required — a more complex process.
EU Regulation 2016/1191
Within the EU, death certificates have been partially valid without an apostille since 2019. A multilingual EU form can replace the translation.
Costs
Apostille: 20 to 100 euros depending on the country. Legalisation: 50 to 200 euros. Processing time: 1 to 14 days.
Certified translation
Every foreign-language death certificate must be translated into German by a sworn translator in Germany. A simple translation is not sufficient — it must be certified by the translator. Costs range from 50 to 150 euros, depending on the language and scope.
We work with sworn translators for over 30 languages and can deliver the translation within 1 to 2 working days. For EU certificates with multilingual forms, the translation may not be required.
Re-registration at the German registry office
German nationals who die abroad can be re-registered at Standesamt I in Berlin. This step is not mandatory in all cases but is recommended, as the German death certificate is accepted by all German authorities without further verification.
Responsible authority: Standesamt I in Berlin (for deaths abroad) or the registry office of the last place of residence in Germany. Processing time: 2 to 6 weeks. Cost: 30 to 80 euros.
Checklist: Having a death certificate recognised
1. Obtain the death certificate
Apply at the local registry office in the country of death. The German embassy can assist with this.
2. Apostille / legalisation
Depending on the country: apostille from the competent authority or legalisation by the German embassy.
3. Certified translation
By a sworn translator in Germany. For EU certificates with a multilingual form, this may not be required.
4. Re-registration
Submission to Standesamt I Berlin or the responsible registry office. A German death certificate is issued.
FAQ: Death Certificate from Abroad
How do I have a foreign death certificate recognised in Germany?
Apostille or legalisation in the issuing country, certified translation, then re-registration at the German registry office.
What is an apostille?
An international certification under the Hague Convention. It confirms the authenticity of a document. Cost: 20 to 100 euros.
How much does recognition cost in total?
Apostille (20 to 100 euros) + translation (50 to 150 euros) + registry office (30 to 80 euros) = total 100 to 330 euros.
How long does recognition take?
Apostille: 1 to 14 days. Translation: 1 to 2 days. Re-registration: 2 to 6 weeks. We expedite the process.
Further guides
Apply for a mortuary pass
All documents for international repatriation — including the death certificate.
Death on holiday — What to do?
Step-by-step guide in the event of a death abroad.
Repatriation costs 2026
All costs transparent — documents, transport, embalming.