Sterbeurkunde als angehörige Person beantragen

In the event of death, you can apply for a death certificate as a relative of the deceased.

The death certificate is a document that certifies the death of a person.

Every death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

The death certificate is an important document that you can apply for as a relative in the event of death.

You can apply for a death certificate as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register.

The death certificate is important, for example, for

• the funeral and its preparation (e.g. for the coffin and repatriation) and
• the settlement of the estate
• claiming statutory or private insurance benefits.

You can apply for a death certificate in person, in writing or electronically at the relevant registry office.

You must submit the following with your application

• Identity card or passport
• Proof of relationship, such as
  • birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • civil partnership certificate
• if collected by a representative:
  • written power of attorney from the authorized person,
  • original or certified copy of the authorized person's ID and
  • their own ID
• for other persons, such as close relatives:
  • Proof of legitimate interest, such as
    • certificate of inheritance
    • extract from the land register

An application for a death certificate can be made by

• the last spouse,
• the last civil partner within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act,
• ancestors and descendants of the deceased person or
• siblings with a legitimate interest,
• close relatives, such as
  • aunts and uncles who can credibly demonstrate a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court.

• for the first copy of the death certificate: between EUR 10.00 and EUR 15.00, depending on the federal state
• for further copies of the death certificate, the fee is halved in most cases
• for issuing a death certificate for the statutory pension insurance or for the social welfare office: none

You can apply for the death certificate at the relevant registry office in person, in writing or electronically.

Applying in person:

• Go to your local registry office during opening hours to apply for a death certificate.
• You must present your identity card or passport to prove your identity.
• You usually pay the fee when you apply at the registry office.
• You can also have the death certificate applied for and collected by a person you trust. In addition to a written power of attorney, this person must present their own and your identity card or passport (original or certified copy).

Application by post, fax or e-mail:

• Send the relevant registry office an informal application for a death certificate by post, fax or e-mail.
• Your letter should refer to your eligibility to apply.
• It must contain the following information about the deceased person:
  • Surname, first name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date and place of death
  • Details of the deceased's spouse, if applicable
  • Registry office and notarization number (if known)
• You will receive a notification of fees when the certificate is sent to you.

• for processing the application: usually 1 week

none

• Objection,
• Administrative court action
  

• Issue of death certificate
• every death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred no later than the third working day following the death
• a death certificate can be issued as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register
• Applications for the issue of a death certificate can be made by
  • the last spouse,
  • the last civil partner within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act,
  • ancestors and descendants of the deceased person or
  • siblings with a legitimate interest and
  • close relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who can credibly demonstrate a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court
• The death certificate is important, for example, for
  • the funeral and its preparation (e.g. for the coffin and transfer),
  • the settlement of the estate,
• claiming statutory or private insurance benefits Information from: competent registry office
• Application via: Application must be submitted to the relevant registry office in person, in writing or electronically
• Responsible: Registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

The registry office that recorded the death.

The registry office that recorded the death.

• Forms: yes
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: no
• Personal appearance required: no

Note:
Applications can usually be submitted via the website of the relevant registry office.