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
How to apply for a certificate of life
You can apply for a Certificate of Life (Attestatie de vita) at your municipality. We process your application within 5 working days. You will then receive your documents by post. Should you need your documents faster, please make an appointment using the digital form on our website.
There are two types of proof of life documents available in the Netherlands:
- Proof of life via an excerpt from the civil registry (Basis Registratie Personen BRP). This type is meant for use in the Netherlands only and can be requested online. We will send you your documents by post within 5 working days.
- Proof of life signed by an official from the Registry Office. This document can be used in the Netherlands and abroad. You must apply for this type in person. Please make an appointment for this.
You pay a fee for applying for an Attestation de vita.
Costs (fees) and payment
A fee will be charged for any of these applications. Please contact the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch for more information.
Further information
For applications, costs and conditions, please contact the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch via telephone number or Whatsapp +31 73 - 615 51 55 or send an e-mail via the digital contact form.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch
Visiting address
Wolvenhoek 1
5211HH 's-Hertogenbosch
| Monday | 08.30 - 17.00 |
| Tuesday | 08.30 - 17.00 |
| Wednesday | 08.30 - 17.00 |
| Thursday | 08.30 - 20.00 |
| Friday | 08.30 - 17.00 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |