We bring your loved one to the place where they are to be laid to rest.

The price of a coffin repatriation depends mainly on four things: the route, the mode of transport (funeral transport vehicle or air freight), the documents required by the destination country, and the place of collection. On top of that come the transfer coffin with a soldered zinc liner, hygienic preparation and, for air freight, the air transport crate and freight charges. A coffin repatriation therefore costs considerably more than an urn transfer. A reliable price can only be given once the route and paperwork are clear. We give you a free, written fixed price in advance, listing every item separately – with no extra charges later.

Under § 1968 BGB, funeral costs are borne by the heirs – and this usually includes the repatriation. Insurance often steps in: travel or international health insurance, some credit cards and funeral expenses insurance cover the repatriation in full or in part, depending on the policy. If the persons liable cannot reasonably be expected to pay, the social welfare office can cover the necessary funeral costs under § 74 SGB XII; whether this includes a repatriation is decided case by case.

The duration depends mainly on how quickly the documents are available: death certificate, body passport, releases and, where applicable, confirmation from the consulate. Within Europe, the coffin is on the road in the funeral transport vehicle for one to a few days, depending on the route. With air freight, flight connections also play a role. An example from our reviews: for a repatriation from Munich to Novosibirsk, the burial was possible on the fourth day. It is not always that quick – after our first conversation we will tell you what you can realistically expect.

Call us and inform the German embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred. Check whether travel or international health insurance, a credit card or funeral expenses insurance covers the repatriation, and report the case to them early. Do not sign any contract locally before the costs are in writing. Keep the passport, medical reports and police certificates safe – photos are enough for now. We talk to the hospital, the authorities and the local funeral director, even if you don’t speak the local language, and organise the repatriation to Germany.

For cross-border repatriations, usually yes. The European Agreement on the Transfer of Corpses requires an impermeable coffin: a wooden coffin with a tightly soldered zinc liner, absorbent lining and, for air freight, a pressure-equalisation device with a filter. Airlines also only accept hermetically sealed coffins. We provide a transfer coffin that meets these requirements.

Yes, the CIS countries and Eastern Europe are our focus. We have partner funeral directors in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Poland and Serbia. For countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or Russia, the consulates often require their own confirmations and translated documents; we know the procedures and advise you in German, Russian or English. We arrange other countries worldwide through consulates and specialised partners.