Death certificate
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is the official document in the event of death. The death certificate is not issued automatically after the death of a person, but at the request of a surviving relative or beneficiary. The data on the certificate is based on the corresponding entry in the official death register. The death certificate should not be confused with the death certificate issued by the doctor who confirmed the death. This document is just as much an independent document as the certified copy from the death register. The death certificate can be obtained from the registry office in whose jurisdiction the deceased died. A death certificate and death certificate are only issued for stillborn babies weighing 500 g or more. In Germany, it is mandatory by law to apply for a death certificate at the registry office no later than the third day after the death.
Structure of a death certificate
The death certificate, which has a serial number, lists the name and last place of residence of the deceased as well as the exact time of death and the place of death. The other data entered on the certificate are the place and date of birth, marital status and, if available, religious affiliation. The cause of death is not entered on a death certificate, nor are the names of the parents or children. The dated certificate is signed by the registrar and stamped by the relevant registry office.
What does a death certificate cost?
The cost of a death certificate in Germany is a matter for the federal states and therefore varies from state to state. As a rule, the fee for issuing a death certificate for private purposes is 10 euros; in some federal states, such as Baden-Württemberg, the costs are higher. The issuing of a second copy is cheaper and is handled differently in terms of fees. If the death certificate is required for the settlement of pension matters and for submission to the health insurance fund or authorities such as the social welfare office, it is usually issued free of charge. Proof of these official purposes must be attached to the application in writing. The issue of a death certificate exclusively for the funeral is also usually free of charge. Proof of this must also be enclosed with the document. For all other purposes, including the settlement of inheritance matters, the issue of a death certificate is subject to a fee.
Who can apply for death certificates?
First-degree relatives such as the deceased’s spouse or registered partner, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can apply for a death certificate. Siblings and other relatives as well as persons of trust and other authorized representatives will only receive the certificate if they can prove a credible interest by means of appropriate documents. In addition to the mortician, an authorized lawyer or estate administrator as well as an officially appointed guardian can also apply for the death certificate in individual cases. The applicant must be at least 16 years old. If there are no relatives or no relatives can be found, the competent public order office will receive the death certificates required for handling the funeral and other formalities.
What documents are required for the application?
- Medically certified death certificate ("non-confidential part")
- Registration certificate and identity card
- Birth certificate (unmarried)
- Marriage certificate or family register (married couples)
- Civil partnership certificate (partners)
- Marriage certificate/family register plus death certificate of the spouse (widowed and widowed spouses accordingly)
- Marriage certificate with divorce note if applicable or family record book with legally binding divorce decree (divorced or partnered persons accordingly)
- Notification of hospital, nursing and retirement home or other facilities (if deceased there)
- Written notification from the responsible police station (in the event of a non-natural death or suspected death)
Special features for foreign nationals
In the case of foreign citizens who have died in Germany, a passport is required for the issue of a death certificate, as well as a translation of all the above-mentioned documents for non-German speakers. If official or legal matters concerning the estate, for example, have to be settled in several countries, including for German citizens, the registry office will issue an international death certificate on request and for a fee. This is written in several languages and is also valid abroad without international legalization (apostille).
Death certificate in the event of death abroad
If a German citizen dies abroad, the competent authority at the place of death issues the death certificate in accordance with the legal requirements of the respective country. This is then decisive if the deceased is to be buried at the place of death and not repatriated to their home country. In any case, relatives should contact the relevant German embassy or the nearest German consulate for further details as soon as they become aware of the death. The consulate will check and legalize the death certificate issued in the host country and arrange for a translation into German. The data obtained in this way must then also be sent to Standesamt I in Berlin in the event of a burial in the host country. This authority is responsible for all deaths of German citizens abroad and issues a German death certificate for surviving dependants and other authorized persons if required. If repatriation is desired, a corpse passport must always be issued in addition to the death certificate. In the event of death at sea, for example during a cruise, on a moving train or during a flight, special provisions apply. A death certificate can only be issued for missing persons once they have been officially declared dead. The legal basis for all provisions relating to the issuing of death certificates in Germany is the Civil Status Act (PStG).
Funeral directors can also submit applications for death certificates
The presentation of a death certificate is required by law for the formalities prior to a funeral. This document should therefore be requested as soon as possible after the death. Such an application to the registry office can be made in writing, in person or by a representative with power of attorney. This can be done by a person of trust or by the funeral director who is carrying out the funeral, including all formalities. As a rule, an authorized mortician takes care of the application for the necessary death certificates on behalf of the bereaved. This service is often used by relatives so that they are not burdened with additional official formalities during the mourning period.
Informal application in person, in writing or by fax or e-mail
A death certificate can be requested informally from the relevant registry office by the authorized or empowered persons. It is also possible to place an order by telephone, fax or email with the necessary evidence in an attached file. In the case of a personal appearance, the identity card or an adequate valid document must be presented; in the case of a representative, the power of attorney must also be presented. Persons who are not automatically entitled should remember to provide proof of credible interest in good time. This applies, for example, to siblings of the deceased.
