Registering a stillborn baby in the Netherlands
A stillbirth is registered with the municipality in which the child was born. The municipality then issues a birth certificate (geboorteakte) for a stillbirth. It does not matter how long the pregnancy lasted.
A birth certificate for a stillbirth is an official document, proving that your baby was born.
The birth certificate for a stillbirth is recorded in the Registers van de burgerlijke stand (Register of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships)
Choosing a surname for a stillborn baby
You may choose your child’s surname, which can be either the father’s or the mother’s surname. This choice does not affect the names of any subsequent children, meaning that you can choose a different surname in the future.
You can also register your stillborn baby in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP) if you wish. This is a different procedure from registering the birth of your baby as stillborn.
The birth of a stillborn baby is registered with the municipality where your baby was born. For any questions, please contact the municipality.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Municipality of Groningen: Registering a stillborn baby
What you need to know
You must apply for registration in the municipality where you live. This is a very personal request. Therefore, you can only have your own data changed personally. The other parent cannot do this for you.
When the child was born, as well as the duration of the pregnancy, does not matter for the registration.
For the registration of your child, you will need a 'certificate of lifeless birth' or a 'certificate of birth (lifeless)'. Your municipality will request these from the municipality where the baby was born. You do not need to do this yourself.
No certificate present?
Were you married when your child was born or was your child already acknowledged during pregnancy? Then you must submit a written request together. This also applies if you are now divorced.
If you were not married at the time your child was born and your child was not acknowledged? Then only the mother can make a written request.
Registering in the BRP
You can register your lifeless child in the basic register of persons (BRP) if you live or plan to live in the Netherlands.
The declaration of death must be done before the funeral or cremation takes place.
Bring a valid identity card with you.
The preparation of the document is free of charge.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Groningen