Death abroad Notarization

Properly issued death certificates from abroad are generally recognized in Germany. There is no obligation for subsequent certification.

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 therefore no longer be necessary in the future.

• Foreign death certificate with translation, if necessary with legalization/apostille
• Identity card or passport of the applicant (or a recognized substitute personal document)

Documents of the deceased:

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

If the deceased was a naturalized citizen, entitled to asylum, stateless, homeless foreigner or refugee:

• Certificate of naturalization or proof of special status

It may also be necessary to submit further documents - please enquire about this in advance at the registry office.

• Notarization in the death register: 47.00 euros
• Death certificate / certified printout from the death register: 12.00 euros (if ordered at the same time, each additional copy costs 6.00 euros)

You may incur additional costs for further services such as the issuing of an apostille or translations.