Taking a deceased person out of the Netherlands
Do you wish to transport the body of a deceased person from the Netherlands to a foreign country? To do this, you need transportation authorisation from the municipality where the person died. This is called a laissez-passer. In most cases, the funeral director submits the application for you.
If you wish to take the body of a deceased person to Belgium or Luxembourg, you do not need a laissez-passer. However, you must have written permission from the municipality, stating that that you may bury or cremate the deceased person. This is called leave for burial (verlof tot begraven) or leave for cremation (verlof tot cremeren). You submit the application for this leave at the same time as you register the death.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Taking a deceased person out of the Netherlands
You may transport a deceased person from abroad to the Netherlands or from the Netherlands to abroad. You will need a death certificate to do so. You will also need a laissez-passer or a permit for burial or incineration. A laissez-passer is a proof of transport for a deceased person to another country outside the Benelux. When entering the Netherlands, you must show these documents to customs.
The conditions for transporting a mortal remains are:
You have in your possession the following documents:
- the death certificate
- a certificate issued by the competent authority, for example: a medical certificate from a doctor or coroner
- a certificate of natural death or a declaration by the public prosecutor
- a permit for burial or incineration, or a laissez-passer
- Are you transporting the deceased within the Benelux? Then you will need a burial or incineration permit.
- Are you transporting the deceased to a country outside the Benelux? Then you need a laissez-passer.
- Are you transporting the deceased from a country outside the Benelux countries to the Netherlands? In that case you will need a laissez-passer
- You are transporting the body in a waterproof coffin.
Did the person die abroad? Then go to the local authorities in the country of death, e.g. the town hall. If necessary, the Dutch embassy or consulate can help you with this.
This is how you apply for the death certificate and the laissez-passer or permission for burial or incineration in the Netherlands:
- You contact the municipality where the person died.
- You bring proof of the coffin seal.
You may not bury or cremate the deceased later than 6 working days after death in the Netherlands. Is this not possible because the deceased arrives in the Netherlands on or after these 6 working days? Then you must bury or cremate the deceased as soon as possible after arrival. To do this, contact the municipality where the deceased is buried or cremated.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Helmond