Death Certificate for Egypt

After a Death in the U.S.: The Egyptian Steps

When an Egyptian, or someone with property or family in Egypt, dies in the United States, the family usually has to deal with Egyptian authorities from abroad: recording the death, establishing the heirs, transferring property and bank accounts, and claiming pensions. Each step relies on a certified U.S. death certificate legalized through the Egyptian Embassy.

Recording the death in Egypt

The death of an Egyptian citizen abroad is normally recorded with the Egyptian authorities, often through the Egyptian consulate covering the place of death, which can lead to an Egyptian death record. That record, or the legalized U.S. certificate itself, is then used in Egypt for civil status updates, cancelling the deceased’s documents and the steps that follow. Ask the consulate about its current procedure and any time limits.

Declaration of heirs and the estate

Inheritance in Egypt usually begins with a court declaration of heirs (i’lam wiratha), which identifies the heirs and their shares. The court will want evidence of the death and of the family relationships, typically the legalized death certificate together with birth and marriage records. With the declaration, heirs can deal with banks, the real estate registry for property transfers, vehicle records and companies in which the deceased held shares. Families abroad usually act through an Egyptian lawyer appointed by a legalized power of attorney.

Pensions and repatriation

Survivors of someone who had Egyptian social insurance may claim benefits, which also requires proof of death. If the deceased is to be buried in Egypt, repatriation is arranged with the funeral home and the Egyptian consulate on a much faster timeline, and the consulate tells families what it needs. The legalized certificate described here is for the legal steps that follow.

Ordering and legalizing

Order certified copies of the death certificate from the vital records office or local registrar in the state where the death occurred. Informational copies cannot be legalized. Order several, because the court, banks and registries may each keep one. Each copy is authenticated by that state, after county certification where required, then by the U.S. Department of State, and legalized by the Egyptian Embassy or the consulate for that state. It is never notarized, and Egypt does not accept apostilles. In Egypt, each copy is translated into Arabic and may be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.