In Germany, sea burial is regulated by law and subject to certain requirements. Anyone planning a sea burial should know the legal framework.
Basic Requirement: Cremation
A sea burial in Germany is only possible after prior cremation. Earth burial at sea is not permitted. The cremation must take place in an approved crematorium.
Declaration of Intent by the Deceased
For a sea burial, it must be proven that the deceased wished for this form of burial. The following serve as proof:
- Handwritten Will: A personally written will containing the wish for a sea burial is the most reliable proof.
- Funeral Pre-arrangement Contract: A contract concluded during lifetime with a funeral company.
- Advance Directive: If burial wishes are recorded therein.
- Credible Statement by Relatives: If no written declaration exists, relatives can credibly attest to the deceased's wish. However, this is the weakest form of proof.
Recommendation: Anyone wishing for a sea burial should record this in writing and inform relatives.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to conduct a sea burial:
- Death Certificate: Issued by the registry office at the place of death.
- Written Declaration of Intent: Proof of the wish for sea burial (see above).
- Cremation Certificate: Issued by the crematorium after cremation.
- Permit from Regulatory Authority: The relevant authority (usually at the place of death) issues the permit for sea burial.
Permit Procedure
The permit for sea burial is issued by the local regulatory authority. In practice, the commissioned funeral company handles all formalities and applies for the required permits on behalf of the relatives.
Relatives generally do not need to handle the official procedures themselves.
Burial Law: State Law Applies
In Germany, burial law is state law. This means that the exact regulations may vary by federal state. For sea burials at the coast, the burial laws of Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Lower Saxony are particularly relevant.
However, the basic requirements (cremation, declaration of intent, permit) apply nationwide.
Burial Areas
Sea burials may only take place in designated sea areas. These are located at least 3 nautical miles (approx. 5.5 km) from the coast. The areas are chosen to be free from shipping routes and fishing zones.
More information about locations can be found on the page Locations at North and Baltic Sea.
Note
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace legal advice. For specific questions, please contact a funeral company or lawyer. Status: January 2025.
Further Information
- Sea Burial Process – The day of the ceremony step by step
- Sea Urns – Approved materials and regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to the most important questions