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
Municipality of Nieuwkoop: Applying for an Attestatie de vita (certificate of life)
Does Your pension fund or another paying agency ask for proof that you are alive? Then You can request proof of being alive. The proof of being alive is only for use in the Netherlands.
If You need proof for abroad, You will need an Attestation de Vita. You can only request an Attestation de Vita in person from the municipality.
When You pick up the document at the town hall, take with you:
- A valid proof of identity (passport, ID card or driver's license).
- Are you requesting the extract for someone else? Then also bring the written authorization and "and a copy of a valid proof of identity" of that person.
- Debit card (for Your and our safety, please pin) or cash.
Proof of being alive costs € 9.85. A certificate de vita costs € 15.70.
If You can prove that You need the proof for a pension fund, it is free.
You will receive the Proof of being alive within five working days.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Nieuwkoop
Visiting address
Teylersplein 1
2441LE Nieuwveen
| Monday | 8:30 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 8:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 8:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 8:30 - 20:00 |
| Friday | 8:30 - 13:00 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |