A family member has died – what do I need to do?
5 tasks in suggested order
1. Report the death to the registry office
A death must be reported to the responsible registry office. If the person dies in an institution, the institution often makes the report; otherwise, clarify who is responsible for reporting it.
No later than 3 working days after the death if you are personally required to make the report.
Registry office at the place of death.
Medical certificate of death and any civil-status documents required under the local procedure.
Avoid duplicate reporting: if a hospital, care facility or funeral director is involved, first check whether the report has already been handled.
Official source: Bundesportal
2. Obtain a death certificate
A death certificate is often needed for the funeral, estate administration and insurance claims.
After the death has been registered; processing depends on the competent registry office.
Competent registry office for the place of death; the federal portal lets you select the region.
Depending on entitlement, identification and proof of relationship or power of attorney.
Fees and detailed procedures can vary by region.
Official source: Verwaltungsportal Bund
3. Clarify the estate and any wills
Check whether there is a will or inheritance contract and what steps are required for the estate.
Once the key death documents are available.
Probate court and, where relevant, a notary.
Death certificate, wills/inheritance contracts and relevant family/asset records.
A certificate of inheritance is not always required; a notarised will can replace it in some cases.
Official source: Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz
4. Check whether a certificate of inheritance is needed
If applicable: Only if a certificate of inheritance is required for your case.
If you need to prove your inheritance rights to banks, the land registry or other bodies, clarify whether a certificate of inheritance is required.
When required during estate administration.
Probate court, local court or notary for the notarised application.
Death certificate and further evidence depending on inheritance.
The federal portal states that the application must be notarised/officially recorded.
Official source: Verwaltungsportal Bund
5. Check survivor's pension and any possible advance payment
If applicable: If a spouse or registered partner has died and a pension entitlement may exist.
A spouse or registered partner may be able to claim a survivor's pension if the requirements are met. If the deceased person was already receiving a pension, an advance payment for the Sterbevierteljahr may also be possible.
Apply for the survivor's pension as soon as possible. An application for the Sterbevierteljahr advance must reach the Renten Service no later than 30 days after the death.
Deutsche Rentenversicherung; apply for the Sterbevierteljahr advance through Deutsche Post's Renten Service.
Death certificate, details of the deceased person and the marriage/registered partnership, plus any evidence requested in the pension application.
The advance payment does not replace assessment of the pension entitlement. Check the specific survivor's pension application and the personal eligibility requirements.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
