What to do when a loved one dies

In the Netherlands, if someone dies at home, you call the family doctor first. The family doctor confirms whether the death was due to natural causes. This means that the person died of old age or illness. If there is any doubt about this, further examination of the body may be necessary. The family doctor then issues a

You can report the death yourself. You do this at the municipality where the person died. If the deceased was registered in a different municipality, the municipality where the person died will report the death to the municipality where the deceased was registered. However, the funeral director usually reports the death to the municipality.

The death must be reported to the municipality within 6 business days. This must be done, at the very least, before the funeral. The municipality will then grant permission for burial or cremation. This permission is required for the funeral.

Death certificate from the municipality

After the death is reported, the municipality issues a death certificate. The municipality also records the death in the

It is important to request a death certificate from the municipality where the person died. You will often need this document to handle other matters, such as banking, insurance, rent or other administrative matters.

In the Netherlands, next of kin decide what happens to the deceased after death. This is done in consultation with the funeral director.

In the days leading up to the funeral, the deceased person’s body is laid out. This can take place at home or perhaps at the place of rest. It is also possible to lay someone out at a funeral home. You will discuss with the funeral director how and when people can say their goodbyes. A funeral director is someone who helps arrange and oversee the funeral.

You have a lot to arrange when a loved one dies. You can arrange everything yourself, but usually a funeral director does this. After the death, discuss with the funeral director all your wishes for the funeral or cremation and the costs involved. Ask the family doctor, people at the hospital, attendants at the location or from the municipality to help you find a funeral director.

It is possible to bury or cremate the deceased in the Netherlands. For a funeral or cremation, all kinds of things are possible depending on your budget. Think of funeral cards, speeches, music, food and drinks, a farewell with invited guests, a church service. It is possible to have a Ukrainian Orthodox priest officiate at the funeral. The funeral director helps to arrange and organise everything. A lot is possible in the Netherlands but it depends on your budget. Always ask the municipality if and how much they can contribute if there is little money available.

You can also choose a burial or cremation in Ukraine. If you want to bury someone in Ukraine, it is wise to do so as soon as possible. If someone is already buried in the Netherlands, then it is very difficult and expensive to do another funeral later outside the Netherlands. You can take the body directly to Ukraine, this is called 'repatriation'.

You can also cremate the deceased in the Netherlands first. The ashes of the deceased may only be released after one month. Keep this in mind if you want to take the ashes with you to Ukraine.

In the Netherlands, there are rules governing when a person may be buried or cremated. Generally speaking:

• The funeral may not take place sooner than 36 hours after death. This allows time to properly confirm that the person has died and to arrange the necessary documents.

• The funeral must take place no later than the 6th business day after the death.

Weekends and official holidays do not count as business days.

Funeral within 36 hours

Some religions have the custom of burying a person shortly after death. If you want to hold the funeral within 36 hours, you need permission from the mayor and the public prosectuor.

Postponement of the funeral

Sometimes the funeral cannot take place within 6 business days. For example, because family members from abroad must first travel to the Netherlands. In that case, you can request a postponement from the mayor and the public prosecutor. Family members who have to travel a long distance or who have religious reasons may sometimes be granted a postponement.

A funeral costs an average of about €10,000 in the Netherlands. A cremation is usually less expensive and costs an average of about €7,000.

Main costs

At a funeral, for example, you pay for:

• The funeral director

• The grave

• The gravestone or memorial

• The coffin

There may also be other expenses, such as flowers, transportation, funeral cards, and food and drinks after the funeral.

A funeral can be very expensive. You can take out funeral insurance. This insurance covers part of the funeral costs - or sometimes all of them - after your death.

If there is no next of kin of the deceased person, the municipality is responsible for the final destination of a deceased person. If the deceased is from another country, the municipality will see if it can contact the next of kin in another country. The municipality is responsible for the burial or cremation if the next of kin cannot or will not provide for the body's final destination. The municipality looks into the possibilities and, if possible, consults with next of kin in Ukraine or in another country.

After a death, you can take the time to say goodbye to the deceased. In the days leading up to the funeral, family and friends can pay their respects. How this is done varies from family to family. Faith and culture can also play an important role. For example, there may be time for a prayer, a ritual, or other customs.

Family and friends also say their goodbyes during the funeral or cremation. The family has a great deal of freedom to decide how this farewell will take place. The wishes of the deceased can be taken into account.

In the Netherlands, offering condolences means letting someone know that you sympathise with them after the loss of a loved one. There are several ways to offer condolences, such as in person, with a card or over the phone.

Sometimes, at the funeral - either before or after - there is a moment when you can offer your condolences to the family in person. You do not have to say much. A few simple and sincere words are often enough. For example, you could say, "Gecondoleerd met je verlies" (I am so sorry for your loss) or "Heel veel sterkte" (stay strong).

If you knew the deceased well, you can also share a fond memory. Everyone deals with grief differently. So give the bereaved some space and, above all, try to listen.

The way people say goodbye and offer condolences can vary depending on religion and culture. Some families have special rituals or customs following a death. If you are not sure what is customary, ask the family what they would prefer.