Burial or cremation

You can have a deceased person buried or cremated. To do so, you need permission from the municipality. Your funeral director will usually take care of this for you. Your funeral director will apply for permission from the municipality and also report the death. You do not need to do this yourself. Even if you wish to bury or cremate the deceased sooner, or if you wish to request a postponement, your funeral director will handle this for you.

Here's how it works

You may not bury or cremate the deceased until at least 36 hours after he or she dies. And no later than 6 business days after the death.

Burial or cremation after 6 working days

Burial or cremation after 6 working days requires permission from the mayor of the municipality and a doctor. For example, you may request permission for religious reasons. Or if relatives from a distant country want to attend the funeral.

Burial or cremation within 36 hours

If you want to bury or cremate the deceased within 36 hours, you need permission from:

  • the district attorney;
  • The mayor of the municipality where the body is located.

What do I need to bring to the application?

  • A statement from a physician or coroner.

Make an appointment

You can request the application forms by mail at nl


Need help arranging or requesting something from the digital government? Then contact the Digital Government Information Point.

Costs

For questions about burial or cremation, email nl or call 14 0181.

All other costs of burial and cremation can also be found at: Requesting a grave in a municipal cemetery and scattering ashes.