Quick Overview
When a parent dies in Germany, you must obtain a death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) from the Standesamt within 3 days and apply for an Erbschein (certificate of inheritance) from the Nachlassgericht to access bank accounts and property. Germany has strict intestate succession rules (gesetzliche Erbfolge) where spouses inherit 50% and children split the remainder, with inheritance tax exemptions of €500,000 for spouses and €400,000 per child. Heirs can reject inheritance (Erbausschlagung) within 6 weeks to avoid inheriting debts. Total costs range €3,000-8,500 including funeral (€3,000-8,000), certificates (€50-500), and legal fees, with the probate process taking 3-6 months on average.
Key Facts
Death certificate deadline
3 days to register at Standesamt
Total costs
€3,000-8,500 (funeral, certificates, legal)
Timeline
3-6 months for complete probate process
Inheritance tax exemptions
Spouse: €500,000 / Children: €400,000 each
Rejection deadline
6 weeks to reject inheritance (Erbausschlagung)
Key agencies
Standesamt, Nachlassgericht, Finanzamt, Deutsche Rentenversicherung
How It Works
What to Do When Someone Dies in Germany
Germany's inheritance process is highly structured through the Standesamt and Nachlassgericht (probate court). The death must be registered at the Standesamt within 3 days to obtain the Sterbeurkunde (death certificate), typically costing €12-15 per certified copy with 10-15 copies recommended. If a will (Testament) exists, the Nachlassgericht automatically opens it and summons heirs. Without a will, gesetzliche Erbfolge (intestate succession) applies where spouses receive 50% and children split the remainder equally. The Erbschein (certificate of inheritance) proves heir status to banks, land registry, and other institutions, costing €50-500 based on estate value. Heirs inherit both assets and debts, but can reject inheritance within 6 weeks through Erbausschlagung to avoid debt liability. Inheritance tax (Erbschaftsteuer) must be reported to the Finanzamt within 90 days, with generous exemptions: €500,000 for spouses, €400,000 per child. Property transfers require updating the Grundbuch (land registry) with an Erbschein. Germany's unique features include mandatory notification to Deutsche Rentenversicherung for pension cessation and potential survivor benefits (Witwen-/Witwerrente), strict Abmeldung (deregistration) requirements, and the Bestatter (funeral director) system where burial or cremation must occur within 96 hours in most Bundesländer. The process emphasizes official documentation and clear legal succession.
Critical actions in the first days
Obtain death certificate (Sterbeurkunde)
The attending physician issues a Todesbescheinigung, then register at the Standesamt.
Contact funeral director (Bestatter)
A Bestatter handles body transport, preparation, and funeral arrangements.
Notify employer if applicable
Inform the employer of death to handle final salary, benefits, and pension.
Administrative and funeral matters
Contact probate court (Nachlassgericht)
The Nachlassgericht handles wills and inheritance matters.
Apply for Erbschein if needed
Certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) proves your right to inherit.
Notify banks (Bank benachrichtigen)
Inform all banks about the death.
Notify insurance companies (Versicherungen)
Contact all insurance providers: life, health, home, car.
Notify pension authorities (Rentenversicherung)
Report death to Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
Estate and inheritance handling
Decide on accepting or rejecting inheritance
You have 6 weeks to reject inheritance (Erbausschlagung) if debts exceed assets.
Report inheritance to Finanzamt
Inheritance must be reported for Erbschaftsteuer (inheritance tax).
Update land registry (Grundbuch)
Transfer property ownership to heirs.
Cancel contracts and subscriptions
Terminate phone, internet, subscriptions, memberships.
Deregister from residence (Abmeldung)
Report move-out from last residence.
Ongoing and longer-term tasks
Transfer or deregister vehicle
Either transfer to heir or take off the road (abmelden).
Handle digital estate
Access and close email, social media, online accounts.
File final tax return (Steuererklärung)
File income tax for year of death.
What to Do When Someone Dies Costs in Germany (2025)
Per certified copy, request 10-15 copies - January 2025
Complete service including burial/cremation - January 2025
Based on estate value, may not be needed with notarized will - January 2025
If property inheritance - January 2025
For complex estates or disputes - January 2025
For property transfers and certifications - January 2025
For inheritance tax filing and final tax returns - January 2025
Court fee to reject inheritance - January 2025
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) | €12-15 | Per certified copy, request 10-15 copies - January 2025 |
| Funeral director (Bestatter) | €3,000-8,000 | Complete service including burial/cremation - January 2025 |
| Erbschein (certificate of inheritance) | €50-500 | Based on estate value, may not be needed with notarized will - January 2025 |
| Land registry update (Grundbuch) | €50-200 | If property inheritance - January 2025 |
| Inheritance lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) | €500-3,000 | For complex estates or disputes - January 2025 |
| Notary (Notar) | €200-800 | For property transfers and certifications - January 2025 |
| Tax advisor (Steuerberater) | €300-1,000 | For inheritance tax filing and final tax returns - January 2025 |
| Erbausschlagung (rejection) | €30 | Court fee to reject inheritance - January 2025 |
| Total estimate | €3,000-8,500 typical for standard estate | |
*Costs as of January 2025. Funeral costs vary significantly by Bundesland and service level. Inheritance tax not included (depends on estate value and relationship).
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