Transfer of Mortal Remains/Human ashes to India

Follow the below steps in order to apply

1. Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
2. Book your appointment online at Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. You can choose a convenient date and time to visit the Alankit ICAC for your application submission. Click Here to book your appointment online.  
3. Ensure that you have your all other supporting documents, exactly as per the "Documents Checklist" section. 
4. Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appontment letter. 
5. Kindly ensure you reach the ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. 
6. Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the "Fee Details" section. 
7. While your application is in process, you can track your application to know the current stage of your application process. Click Here to track your application online.  

How to apply at a glance:

1 Register on our Website

2 Read our application instructions carefully, and, if needed, complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.

3 Schedule Appointment

4 Visit Alankit ICAC at your scheduled date & time.

5 Submit Application & deposit Fees.

6 You can Track your Application Status on our website.

7 Collect your processed document(s) or have it delivered to your doorstep.

For Postal Applications

1 Register on our Website

2 Read our application instructions carefully, and, if needed, complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.

3 Apply for postal application and pay the fees online. You can also opt to pay fees through bank transfer.

4 Prepare your postal package as per the checklist of documents. Attach proof of payment

5 Send your postal package to Alankit ICAC as per your jurisdiction

6 You can Track your Application Status on our website.

7 Have your processed document(s) delivered to your doorstep.

• A Printed and duly signed request letter for the transportation of Ashes by the requester.
• Original Indian passport of the deceased alongwith a photocopy of the first and last page (personal information pages).
• Photocopy of proof of last address in Germany (City Registration/ Meldebestätigung / Anmeldung / personalauweis) of the deceased. or the address to be mentioned from the Cremation Letter.
• Photocopy of valid German Visa / Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit) of the deceased.
• Request letter from a member of the family of the deceased who is taking the ashes, clearly mentioning the address in India where he/she intends to take the ashes.
• Copy of International version of Death Certificate issued by the local government authorities.
• Copy of Cremation Certificate issued by Cremation center (with certified English translation).
• Copy of Letter from Cremation Centre (Bestattungsinstitut)) stating that URN contains only ashes and sealed as per international norms (with certified English translation).
• Self-attested passport copy of the person who is taking the ashes (personal information pages).
• Self-attested photocopy of valid German Visa / Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit)/ID Card of the person who is taking the ashes.
• The applicant must bring one passport-size photo with them, and all documents must be self-attested.
• Enclose the filled Checklist. Click here to download.
• Enclose Applicant Consent Form. Click Here to download the Application Consent Form.

• A Printed and duly signed request letter for the transportation of Ashes by the requester.
• Photocopy of the foreign national passport (personal information pages).
• Photocopy of proof of last address in Germany (City Registration/ Meldebestätigung / Anmeldung ) of the deceased. or the address to be mentioned from the Cremation Letter.
• Original OCI Card or PIO card alongwith a photocopy of the deceased (if applicable).
• Request letter from a member of the family of the deceased who is taking the ashes, clearly mentioning the address in India where he/she intends to take the ashes.
• Copy of International version of Death Certificate issued by the local government authorities.
• Copy of Cremation Certificate issued by Cremation center (with certified English translation).
• Copy of Letter from Cremation Centre (Bestattungsinstitut)) stating that URN contains only ashes and sealed as per international norms (with certified English translation).
• Self-attested passport copy of the person who is taking the ashes (personal information pages).
• Self-attested photocopy of valid German Visa / Aufenthaltstitel (Residence Permit)/ID Card of the person who is taking the ashes.
• Enclose the filled Checklist.
• The applicant must bring one passport-size photo with them, and all documents must be self-attested.
• Enclose Applicant Consent Form. Click Here to download the Application Consent Form.

Note: If any additional documents is required based on the application, the applicant have to provide the same.

Fees Details

FAQ's for Transfer of Mortal Remains / Human ashes to India

1. My relative died abroad:
   a) What is the role of the Indian Embassy / Consulate in the transportation of his / her mortal remains?
   b) If no one isavailable to arrange the transportation of mortal remains, how can the Embassy / Consulate help?
   c) Does Indian Embassy / Consulate assist in dispatch of mortal remains if we are not able to pay for the transportation cost?
• For the purpose of bringing back the mortal remains of an Indian national, registration of death at the concerned Indian Mission/Post is necessary, for which normally the following documents are required:
  • Medical report / death certificate issued from a hospital
  • Copy of detailed police report (with English translation, if report is in some other language), in case of accidental or unnatural death
  • Consent letter from next of kin of the deceased for local cremation / burial / transportation of mortal remains, duly attested by a notary
  • Copy of passport and visa pages
  • In addition to the above, other documents such as clearance and arrangements for embalming of mortal remains, clearance from local immigration / customs department, etc. are required.
• While there is no undue delay in cases of natural deaths, the time taken in transporting the mortal remains to India is longer in the case of unnatural deaths, because of local procedures involved in those countries for investigating the cause of death.
• Indian Embassy / Consulate will remain in constant touch with the next of kin of the deceased Indian national to facilitate the transportation or local burial of the mortal remains in accordance with the wishes of the family of the deceased. They will also liaise with the concerned foreign officials to expedite procedures for the repatriation of mortal remains to India.
• In case no friend or relative is available to take care of the transport of mortal remains, you may authorize the Indian Embassy / Consulate to make arrangements for transport of the mortal remains.
• Yes, the Indian Embassy / Consulate can consider your request on a ‘means tested’ basis. You may be required to provide additional information to support your request.
2. Is it possible to bury the mortal remains in Germany?
• Yes, it is possible. This would also require the consent of the legal heir(s) of the deceased for local burial. In the case of unclaimed bodies, local authorities take steps to dispose of them as they deem fit.
3. What documents are required for transportation of mortal remains to India?
   • Power of attorney and consent from the legal heir.
   • Clinical death certificate.
   • Embalming Certificate.
   • Non-communicable decease certificate.
   • Passport for cancellation.
   • NOC from the Indian Embassy / Consulate.
4. How much time does it take for transportation of the mortal remains?
   • Local procedures for transportation of mortal remains of foreign nationals vary. If the death was due to unnatural causes and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of death, it may take significantly longer, depending upon progress in the investigations. The Indian Embassy / Consulate will stay in touch with the concerned local authorities to expedite the process.