Death abroad Notarisation of deaths on sea-going vessels

  • Service description

    If a person dies while travelling on a seagoing vessel flying the German flag, there is an obligation to report the death to Registry Office I in Berlin. The death must be reported verbally to the skipper without delay.

  • Procedure

    The person who lived in the same household as the deceased or - if unable to do so - another person who was present at the time of death, shall report the death to the skipper.

  • Prerequisites

    • If a person dies on a seagoing vessel flying the German flag, notification is mandatory. This applies regardless of the nationality of the deceased.
  • Which documents are required?

    In particular, the following documents are required:

    • Your identity card/passport as applicant
    • foreign death certificate of the deceased person (if necessary with translation and certification by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or legalisation by the German diplomatic mission abroad; it may be sufficient to submit a multilingual form)
    • the marriage or civil partnership certificate of the last marriage or civil partnership of the deceased person and, if applicable, proof of its dissolution,
    • the birth certificate of the deceased person,
    • proof of the deceased's last place of residence
    • for naturalised persons, persons entitled to asylum, stateless persons, homeless foreigners and recognised foreign refugees: Naturalisation certificate/proof of special status
  • What fees are incurred?

    Notarisation in the register of deaths at Registry Office I in Berlin is free of charge.

    Fees are charged for the issue of a death certificate in accordance with Berlin state law.

    Fees may apply in accordance with Berlin state law.

  • Legal basis

  • Issuing body

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

Responsible departments

Responsible employees