Transporting the deceased abroad
What is it?
You may transport a deceased person abroad. You will need to present certain documents at customs. Most of these documents can be obtained from the municipality.
What should I do?
You request the documents from the municipality where the person died.
What do I need?
- proof of cause of death (statement from a doctor or coroner or statement from the public prosecutor)
You will then receive the following documents for transporting the deceased:
- death certificate
- leave for burial or cremation (for transport within the Benelux)
- laissez-passer (for transport outside the Benelux)
Additional information
You can also transport a deceased person from abroad to the Netherlands. In that case, you will also need a statement from the competent authority in that country. The Dutch embassy or consulate in that country can assist you with this.