Application for issuance of a German death certificate in case of death abroad

• §§ 61 ff. Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• § 55 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)

• As the applicant, you must prove your identity (ID card, passport or copy of ID document).
• if necessary, the presentation of other documents is required.

• the prior subsequent certification of the death occurring abroad in a German death register.
• An application for the issuance of a death certificate can be made by:
  • spouses and partners of the deceased person
  • ancestors and descendants of the deceased person (e.g. child, grandchild)
  • Siblings of the deceased person, if you can prove a legitimate interest, or
  • other persons, if they show a credible legal interest.
• Applicants must be over 16 years of age.

• You submit the application for issuance of the death certificate to the competent registry office and enclose the required documents.
• The registry office will check your details and the documents you have submitted and, if necessary, issue the death certificate.
• The registry office will send you the death certificate by mail, unless a personal pickup has been arranged.
• The fees are paid by you either in advance or after sending / upon collection.

The period of 30 years for keeping the death register by the registry office must not have expired .