Death, declaration
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 persons (BRP). Registration is mandatory. Usually the funeral director does this. As a surviving relative, you can also do this yourself.
Funeral directors can also file death notices online.
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 creates 2 documents and gives them to you:
- A document in which she gives permission for the funeral (the "leave to bury" or the "leave to cremate"). Has the deceased indicated that he or she wants to give the body to science? Then you will receive a document with the 'leave to dismember'.
- A copy of the death certificate.
To file a declaration of death, you must make an appointment online (see 'Arrange online').
Information for funeral directors
Are you a funeral director? Then you can also file a death certificate online (see 'Arrange online'). You do not have to come to the town hall.
To file online, you need eHerkenning level 2+. You can apply for this on the website: www.eherkenning.nl.
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.
Death abroad
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.
You can find more information on what to do when you die abroad on the central government website .
Arrange online
For funeral directors
- You can file a declaration of death online. You do not need to come to the city hall in that case.
- You will need eRecognition level 2+ to complete the form.
- Submit supporting documents, such as a doctor's statement, online with the form.
- Send the original, signed documents to the municipality by mail later.
- You may "save" these documents once a week to:
Municipality of Zoetermeer
Department of Civil Status
PO Box 15
2700 AA ZOETERMEER
Receiving leave online
Permission for burial or cremation is obtained online in a secure environment.
Do you file your declaration before 11 a.m.? Then you will receive the leave and death certificate by 3 p.m. the same business day by e-mail. We will send the original version of the leave and death certificate by mail.
Make an appointment
To the appointment you bring with you:
- A valid ID of the person filing the report.
And if you need leave for burial/cremation:
- Statement of death.
- Statement on cause of death (called the 'B statement'). This statement is in a sealed envelope (and should not be opened). The envelope is sent to the Central Bureau of Statistics by the registrar.
Change or cancel appointment?
Once you have made an appointment you will receive a confirmation email. This e-mail also contains a link that allows you to change or cancel your appointment yourself.
Are you changing your appointment? Don't forget to delete your other appointment!
Do you no longer have the e-mail? Then call 14 079. A staff member can change or cancel the appointment for you.
Cost
You pay the fee at the time of the declaration of death. At the counter, you can only pay by debit card or cash.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| transcript (excerpt) of civil status | € 16,60 |
| delayed burial/cremation | € 13,50 |
Price changes and typographical errors reserved.