When someone dies in the Netherlands, call a (family) doctor first. The death must be registered with the municipality within 6 working days, and the funeral must take place between 36 hours and 6 working days after death. You are never forced to use a funeral home. Repatriation is possible and often insured. For immediate English assistance, call +31 6 45 10 06 08.
A note on language: our wider website is in Dutch, but every page can be translated instantly (right-click → “Translate to English” in Chrome/Edge). We support you personally in English or Dutch, and work with specialised partners for the international side of repatriation.
What to do when someone dies in the Netherlands
Call a doctor first
Contact the family doctor (huisarts) or out‑of‑hours GP service. They confirm the death and provide the A‑ and B‑forms needed to move the body. If the death is unnatural, dial 112.
Keep your loved one cool
After the doctor's visit, cooling must start. A cooling plate or blanket allows you to keep your loved one at home – a fully legal and comforting choice.
Register the death
Go to the municipality where the death occurred, or let your funeral specialist handle it – the quickest route. Bring the doctor's forms and ID. Deadline: 6 working days.
Choose burial, cremation or repatriation
The farewell must take place between 36 hours and 6 working days after death. Repatriation may require extra time – the municipality can grant an extension.
Plan the ceremony
We help you arrange notices, flowers, music and catering, in line with your culture and wishes.
Aftercare and paperwork
Notify banks, insurers and the tax authorities. For deaths from 1 January 2026, inheritance tax must be filed within 20 months. We explain what’s needed in plain English.
Funeral costs in the Netherlands – what to expect
Funeral costs vary widely. Here is an honest overview, plus ways to keep expenses in check while still arranging a dignified farewell.
Cremation
€7,000–€9,500
Crematorium from €555, urn from €50, professional guidance €1,500–€4,000. Using independent specialists cuts the total cost.
Burial
€9,000–€12,000
Cemetery plot €1,200–€4,000+, coffin €400–€2,500, professional support €2,000–€5,000. Premium options can exceed €14,000.
- Hire independent specialists for individual tasks instead of a full‑service package
- Order the coffin or urn yourself
- Use digital notices and personal ceremony choices
- Arrange transport with an independent driver (from €250)
Repatriation from the Netherlands – clear and coordinated
Many expat families want their loved one to return to their country of origin. We take the logistical burden off your shoulders by connecting you with specialised repatriation partners.
- All travel documents, including the Laissez‑Passer
- Embalming according to destination rules
- Airline and customs coordination
- Door‑to‑door transport
- Contact with funeral professionals abroad
What repatriation typically costs
- Nearby Europe: from approx. €5,000
- Further destinations: higher, depending on distance
- Often (partially) covered by Dutch or international insurance
- We'll help you understand your policy
- A written quote before anything starts
Independent funeral guidance – tailored to you
As an independent funeral guidance service, we never push a standard package. Our network of specialists helps English‑speaking families across the Netherlands with personalised farewells, from a simple direct cremation to a full cultural ceremony.
- 24/7 English‑language phone support
- Referral to an independent funeral specialist near you
- Home viewing and cooling arrangements
- Transparent cost information
- Complete ceremony planning – burial, cremation or alternative
- Repatriation partner introductions
- Bereavement support and practical aftercare
Common scenarios for international families
Every loss is unique, but these are situations we regularly help with. If any feel familiar, you’re in the right place.
Your partner died and family is far away
You face the Dutch system alone. We explain each step and, with your permission, keep relatives abroad informed.
You want a ceremony that honours your culture
Dutch rules are flexible. We connect you with specialists who respect your religious or cultural traditions.
Language is a barrier at official appointments
Municipality or hospital conversations can be overwhelming. We explain the paperwork and, where possible, handle the registration for you.
Your questions answered – in plain English
First, stay with your loved one. Call the family doctor or the out‑of‑hours GP service. The doctor will officially confirm the death and give you the necessary forms. If the death is unexpected and unnatural, call 112. For immediate English guidance, call +31 6 45 10 06 08.
You are never legally obliged to use a funeral company in the Netherlands. You may organise the entire funeral yourself or hire independent specialists only for specific tasks, such as transport or paperwork. This can save thousands of euros.
Repatriation usually takes several days, depending on the destination and documentation. Specialised partners like Mortuarium Schiphol handle the Laissez‑Passer and airline coordination. Costs start around €5,000 for nearby European countries; many international policies cover this.
The funeral or cremation must normally take place between 36 hours and 6 working days after death. The municipality can grant an extension, especially during a repatriation process.
A cremation averages €7,000–€9,500, a burial €9,000–€12,000. If you are a legal resident and cannot pay, you may be eligible for bijzondere bijstand (special assistance) from your municipality. Call us and we’ll explain the process in English.
No, payments can often be made via international transfer, credit card, or from an account in your home country. Discuss this with your funeral specialist early on.
Yes. Dutch law allows great freedom for personal, religious and cultural rituals. We can introduce you to specialists who honour Islamic, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist or other traditions.
Call the out‑of‑hours GP service (huisartsenpost). They are available 24/7. Our English‑language support line is also available day and night: +31 6 45 10 06 08.
No. We guide you in English throughout the entire process. Our wider website is in Dutch, but every page can be translated with a right‑click in Chrome or via Google Translate.
Further reading
A calm conversation, in English, whenever you’re ready
There is no rush to decide everything. A free, no‑obligation chat helps you understand the steps, the costs, and your options – including repatriation if needed.
- No pressure, no commitment
- Clear explanation of what to expect
- Support in English or Dutch
- Available by phone or in person
Reach us directly
Call any time, or write first – just mention you’d like to proceed in English.
Call: +31 6 45 10 06 08 Contact form (Dutch, translatable)
