Transporting a deceased person abroad
What is it?
You are permitted to transport a deceased person abroad. You will need to present certain documents to customs. You can obtain most of these documents from your local municipality.
What to do?
You can request the documents from the municipality where the person died.
What to bring?
- proof of the cause of death (certificate from a doctor or medical examiner, or a statement from the public prosecutor)
You will then receive the following documents for the transport of the deceased:
- death certificate
- Permit for burial or cremation (for transport within the Benelux)
- laissez-passer (for travel 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 certificate from the competent authority in that country. The Dutch embassy or consulate in that country can assist you with this.