Guidance on Repatriation and Funerals

Formulare, Reisepass und Mappe auf einem Schreibtisch

A US citizen has died in Germany: what relatives in the United States will need

When a US citizen dies in Germany, relatives back home need one particular document — and several certified copies of it. The steps in order, and the US rule that surprises many families.

September 12, 2026

Überführungssarg aus Eiche mit Zinkeinsatz in einem Versorgungsraum

Guide

Zinc-lined coffin for repatriation abroad: when it is required and when it is not

The soldered zinc-lined coffin is the most expensive single item in a repatriation. When it is actually required, which agreement lies behind it, which countries are bound — and when it is not needed at all.

September 11, 2026

German tax forms and receipts on a wooden desk, with a pen, eyeglasses, a candle, and a white lily nearby.

Guide

Which costs after a death can be claimed against tax in Germany?

Losing someone close is emotionally exhausting, and it often comes with substantial costs for the funeral and for settling the estate. Many families do not realise that part of this expenditure can be claimed against tax in Germany. The important...

July 29, 2026

Guide

Arranging the funeral on site — coordinating with partners

Once the transport is complete the next stage begins: arranging the interment in the destination country. Structured coordination with local partners is indispensable here. 1. Coordination with the partner funeral home Ritual-Service24 takes care of: 2. Cemetery arrangements What matters...

July 29, 2026

Guide

What obstacles can arise during an international repatriation?

International repatriations are demanding both legally and logistically. A number of factors can cause delays or complications. 1. Incomplete or incorrect documents Common problems: Even a small formal error can lead to a refusal. 2. Consular particularities Some countries require:...

July 29, 2026

Guide

Which documents are needed for an international repatriation?

An international transport of a deceased person or an urn requires a complete set of papers. A missing document almost always means a delay. The basic documents in Germany Additional documents, depending on the destination Transports to certain CIS countries...

July 29, 2026

Guide

What should be clarified before an international repatriation?

Losing someone close is emotionally exhausting. At the same time, an international repatriation involves a great many organisational and legal considerations. Settling the central questions early prevents delays and unnecessary extra costs. 1. Which country is the destination? The destination...

July 29, 2026

Guide

How does an international repatriation work?

How does an international repatriation work? Losing someone close is always painful. When there is also the wish to take the deceased abroad — or to bring them back to Germany from abroad — a great many organisational and legal...

July 29, 2026

Guide

Which documents are needed when someone dies?

Which documents are needed when someone dies? The death of someone close brings grief and pain, and with them practical tasks that have to be dealt with quickly. In the first hours and days many families feel overwhelmed: what matters...

July 29, 2026

gus-staaten-ritual-service24 - RITUAL-SERVICE24

Guide

Repatriation to the CIS countries: what to bear in mind

Repatriation to the CIS countries: what to bear in mind Transporting a deceased person to a member state of the Commonwealth of Independent States involves particular legal, organisational and cultural requirements. Alongside international transport rules, consular requirements, national burial laws...

July 29, 2026

Guidance

A US citizen has died in Germany: what relatives in the United States will need

Zinc-lined coffin for repatriation abroad: when it is required and when it is not

Which costs after a death can be claimed against tax in Germany?

Arranging the funeral on site — coordinating with partners

What obstacles can arise during an international repatriation?

Which documents are needed for an international repatriation?

What should be clarified before an international repatriation?

How does an international repatriation work?

Which documents are needed when someone dies?

Repatriation to the CIS countries: what to bear in mind

A US citizen has died in Germany: what relatives in the United States will need

Zinc-lined coffin for repatriation abroad: when it is required and when it is not

Which costs after a death can be claimed against tax in Germany?

Arranging the funeral on site — coordinating with partners

What obstacles can arise during an international repatriation?

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