Death, declaration

What is it?

If someone has died, you report this in the municipality where the person died. The municipality processes the death of this person in the civil registry and the basic registration of personsBRP). Registration is mandatory. Usually the funeral director does this. As a surviving relative, you can also do this yourself.

What do I need?

  • B envelope containing the doctor's form on the cause of death
  • valid identification of the declarant
  • if postponement of cremation or burial is necessary: a permit for this purpose
  • possibly the deceased's marriage certificate

If the deceased died naturally, also take:

  • certificate of natural death (from a coroner)

If the deceased did not die naturally, also take:

  • certificate of non-natural death (from a coroner)
  • certificate of no objection for the burial or cremation (from the public prosecutor)

Arrange directly

Reporting in person

As a surviving relative, you can file a declaration in person. This can only be done by appointment. To make an appointment, call (0543) 49 33 33.

Filing tax returns digitally

The funeral director can file the declaration online through eRecognition.

eRecognitionDeclaration of death

Are you filing digitally? Then you only need to send the original doctor's certificate and possibly other original documents. No later than the next business day, you will receive the leave, transcript and any other documents via email.

Additional information

Has someone from the Netherlands died abroad? If so, you must report this to the municipality where this person lived. To do this, you will need a (legalized) death certificate from the place where the person died. You can contact the Dutch embassy or consulate. Is there no Dutch diplomatic post in the country where you are? Then you can go to the embassy of another EU country. Or contact your travel organization or local police. More information can be found on the website of the Rijksoverheid.

Postponement of burial or cremation

Sometimes it is not possible to bury or cremate someone within 6 days of their death. You can then request a postponement from the mayor. Usually the funeral director arranges this postponement.