Applying for an Attestatie de vita (certificate of life) in the Netherlands
Does an organisation outside the Netherlands (e.g. a pension fund) need proof that you are alive? Then you need an Attestatie de vita (certificate of life). You can apply for this at your municipality.
There are 2 types of proof of life documents that are available in the Netherlands:
- The Attestatie de vita is an international document in Dutch and French. This document comes from the Register of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships (registers van de burgerlijke stand). You can use the certificate outside the Netherlands. You can also get an annex to the certificate explaining the document in German, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish.
- The Bewijs van in leven zijn (certificate of existence) is an excerpt taken from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP). This states that you are registered as alive in the BRP. This extract is in Dutch and can be used in the Netherlands.
This is how it works in your (future) place of residence
Extract certificate of being alive
You can apply for an Attestatie de vita (certificate of life) from the municipality where you live and are registered. You can only make the application yourself. Someone else cannot do it for you. You must make an appointment with the municipality to apply for a certificate of life.
Making an appointment with the municipality
Online:
Make an appointment and come to the counter in Residents' Square. Bring proof of identity and pay by debit card (preferably) or cash.
By telephone:
+31 40 238 6000
You cannot request an Attestation de vita online, you must visit one of our counters in person. You cannot authorize anyone to do this. This also applies to a foreign proof of life form.
Valid ID and the cost.
Make an appointment and come to the counter in Residents' Square. Bring proof of identity and pay by debit card (preferably) or cash.
You pay costs for applying for an extract. For more information, see our website under the heading 'What does the extract cost?'.
Use Google to translate this website, at the top right corner (globe icon).
You will receive the certificate immediately.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Eindhoven