Death abroad notarisation
Service description
Properly issued death certificates from abroad are generally recognised in Germany. There is no obligation for subsequent notarisation.
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 notarisations of the foreign death certificate will therefore no longer be necessary in future.
Procedure
Please call the registry office in advance for details of the procedures and documents required.
- Gather the necessary documents and go to the registry office.
- The registrar will check whether the notarisation can be carried out by a German registry office.
- If the requirements are met, the entry can be made in the register of deaths.
If required, the registry office will issue you with a death certificate once the entry in the register has been made.
Prerequisites
The subsequent certification of the death is possible for:
- German nationals
- Stateless persons, homeless foreigners or foreign refugees with habitual residence in Germany
Authorised applicants are:
- the children,
- the parents,
- the spouse or partner of the deceased person and
- the German diplomatic mission abroad in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.
Which documents are required?
- Foreign death certificate with translation, if necessary with legalisation/apostille
- Identity card or passport of the applicant (or a recognised substitute identity document)
Documents of the deceased:
- Proof of marital status (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree)
- Birth certificate
Was the deceased naturalised, entitled to asylum, stateless, homeless foreigner or refugee?
- Certificate of naturalisation or proof of special status
In addition, it may be necessary to submit further documents - please enquire about this in advance at the registry office.
What fees are incurred?
A fee of EUR 47.00 is charged for the notarisation of a death, unless the municipality has set a different fee by statute; additional fees may apply.
Legal basis
Typing
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