If you already know that you want to be buried or cremated abroad, you can already make certain arrangements. First of all let your family know that you do not want to be returned to the Netherlands after your death.
Purchase a grave or grave rights
In some cases you can purchase a grave or grave rights. Ask local funeral directors about the options and costs.
Take account of local customs
Different rules and customs may apply outside the Netherlands. For example, not all countries allow cremation. In some countries it is customary to embalm the body in order to preserve it for longer.
Check whether your insurer will cover the costs
If you have funeral insurance in the Netherlands, check whether the insurer will cover the costs of a funeral abroad, either partially or in full. If you are not yet insured, check whether you can take out funeral insurance in the country where your funeral will take place.
Let your surviving relatives know what you have arranged
If you are insured give your relatives a copy of the insurance policy so they can see what is covered.
You can also make a list of wishes for your funeral. You do not need a notary for this. Share your list with the people who will be arranging your funeral. Good to know: a list of wishes is not a legally valid document. So your relatives are not legally required to fulfil all of your wishes.
If you don’t make any arrangements surviving relatives decide
If you don’t make any arrangements your relatives will decide what happens after your death. If they can’t or don’t want to pay for the funeral the local authorities will usually arrange a simple burial or cremation. They can’t always fulfil your wishes or those of your relatives.
