Deadlines

A passing must be reported within 24 hours to the registry office of the municipal administration of the place of death.

Who can make the declaration of death?

The declaration can be made by :

• the funeral home contacted by the family
• a close relative of the deceased
• any other person

Documents to be presented

The person responsible for making the declaration to the civil registry must present:

• the medical certificate attesting the death
• if possible, the deceased’s family record book, marriage or birth certificate if he or she is single, otherwise the identity documents of the deceased and spouse, if applicable
• the certificate of placement in a coffin if the deceased is to be buried in another commune or in the Benelux countries.

In the case of cremation, the certificate of placement in a coffin and the medical certificate stating that there are no signs or indications of violent death. Furthermore, a written request from the deceased, if he or she expressed a wish to be cremated during his or her lifetime.