Register a death

Published: 01 January 2012 Modified: 02 January 2012

When someone has passed away, you need to report this to the municipality in which it happened.

What is it?

When someone has died, it has to be reported to the municipality in which the person passed away. This usually is done within 6 working days of the date of death. This is in line with the maximum period within which the deceased must be buried or cremated. When a death is reported, the municipality issues a document giving permission for the funeral to take place. Under Dutch law, a funeral must take place within 6 working days.

The death is usually registered by the funeral director although relatives may also register a death.

How does it work?

Was the deceased registered as a resident of The Hague? The municipality will then update the person’s details in the registry of births, deaths and marriages and in the Municipal Personal Records Database (GBA).

Was the deceased not registered as a resident of The Hague? Then the Department of Public Service will forward the information to the deceased’s local municipality.

Special circumstances

The municipality will also draw up a death certificate in these special circumstances:

when the individual is presumed dead (judicial declaration). If someone’s body has not been recovered but the death is certain, the court can declare this person legally deceased.
to update the registry in the absence of a certificate. For example, an individual died abroad without a death certificate being drawn up. In this case the court can declare the person dead without a death certificate. The same applies if you cannot obtain the death certificate later.
in the case of a stillborn child.

For whom is it intended?

Surviving relatives.

What will I need?

When registering a death, the ‘judicial declaration of death’ must be submitted. This is the official confirmation of death by a physician. The funeral director will arrange this on your behalf.

How much will it cost?

A copy of the death certificate: € 11.80 (excluding postage costs for a request in writing, for which you will receive an invoice).

How long will it take?

The registration is processed while you wait.

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

You or the funeral director will need to register the death in person at one of the sub-municipal offices.

What is a certificate of succession?

After a death, a notary issues a certificate of succession (verklaring van erfrecht) recording the names of the heirs. Once in possession of this certificate the heirs can access the deceased’s bank and/or giro accounts.

The certificate contains information about:

who has died
when and where he died
who the family numbers were
who the heirs are

The certificate of succession must be issued in the form of a notarial instrument by a Dutch notary. The costs of a certificate of succession vary depending upon the notary.