Death certificate

When someone dies, the municipality must be officially notified within 6 business days. The declaration of death is almost always arranged by a funeral director, but may also be arranged by a family member or friend.  

Death notification by funeral directors

As a funeral director, you can report a death in 2 ways: 

  • you file the death declaration online using the button below.  
  • you call us at 14 0511 for an appointment to file the tax return at City Hall. 

eRecognitionDeath notice for funeral directors

Is it unclear where or when someone died? 

Then file a body discovery report.

eRecognitionReport of body finding for funeral directors

Filing a death certificate as a next of kin

Usually the funeral director makes the declaration of death. But as a surviving relative, you can also do this yourself. Make an appointment to do so by calling 14 0511.

How does it work?

The funeral director or you file the declaration with the municipality. Do this within 6 days of the death. In fact, a funeral or cremation must take place no later than the 6th business day after the death. 

The municipality then produces two documents: a copy of the death certificate and a permit for burial or cremation. The copy of the death certificate goes to the next of kin. This is an official document that the next of kin need when dealing with all kinds of matters: it is proof of death.

What does it cost?

Filing a death certificate is free of charge. An extract of the death certificate costs €17.10. 

What do I bring to the appointment?

Please bring the following documents with you during the appointment: 

  • B envelope containing the doctor's form on the cause of death; 
  • Your valid identification; 
  • if postponement of cremation or burial is required: a permit for this; 
  • possibly your 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). 

Death abroad

Has a resident of the Netherlands died abroad? If so, you should 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. You can find more information on the government website.

The permit for burial or cremation is issued by the registrar of births, marriages and deaths of the municipality where burial or cremation takes place.