Death certificate

Published: 01 January 2012 Modified: 14 February 2012

An extract or copy of a death certificate is written evidence of the fact that an individual has died.

What is it?

A death certificate provides proof of the death of an individual and the inclusion of this death in the registry of births, deaths and marriages.

How does it work?

Only the international extract is available in several languages.

What are the conditions?

You may apply for a copy or international extract of a death certificate only in the municipality where the individual died.

Do you want to apply for a copy of a foreign death certificate? This is only possible if you have had this certificate registered with The Hague municipality’s registry of births, deaths and marriages.

Please note: In all cases, you will need to prove legitimate interest. This means that you may only submit an application:

as an authorised representative
as a blood relative (parent or child)
as a beneficiary
as a registered partner or spouse
as a legal representative.

You can also submit this application if you need the document for a legal procedure or to register a partnership or marriage.

What will I need?

Digitally: DigiD. Please note: this option is for residents of the Netherlands only.
In person: (a copy of) a valid identity document.
In writing: a letter signed by you and a copy of your valid identity document. Please state your reason for requesting the document.

PDF file Written authorisation form (PDF, 37 kB)

How much will it cost?

€ 11.80 (excluding postage costs for a request in writing, for which you will receive an invoice).

How long will it take?

Digitally: 3 days
In person: immediately for certificates after 1986 and 5 working days for certificates before 1986
In writing and with permission: 10 working days

How do I apply/What do I need to do?

Digitally: via DigiD.

Digital application

In person: at one of the sub-municipal offices. Please note: If the certificate was issued more than 50 years ago, then you need to apply at the Municipal Archives.
In writing: use the death certificate application form.

Death certificate application form (PDF)