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Death - registration and certification


Deaths are usually reported to the registry office by the funeral directors. The institutes take care of all the formalities at the registry office and are informed about which documents are required in each individual case to certify the death. The death certificates will be issued to you via the institute. It is possible to report a death in person.

Requirements

The death must be reported to the registry office no later than the third working day following the death. The registry office of the place of death is responsible. The same deadline applies to stillbirths.

What documents do I need?

  • If you do not commission a funeral parlour and wish to report the death to the registry office yourself, the following documents are generally required:
    • Identity card of the notifying party or a written notification from a hospital or nursing home if the deceased died there,
    • the medical certificate of death (death certificate),
    • the marriage or civil partnership certificate of the last marriage or civil partnership and, where applicable, proof of its dissolution
    • the birth certificate,
    • proof of the deceased's last place of residence (extended registration information (available from the competent registration office))

    It may be necessary to submit further documents.

    The registry office will be happy to advise you.