Repatriation from the Netherlands: step by step
A clear guide to each stage of the process, from the first phone call through to your loved one's arrival home.
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The repatriation process from the Netherlands
Each step must be completed in sequence. Your repatriation coordinator manages the process, but knowing what to expect reduces uncertainty.
Immediate Steps After a Death in the Netherlands
Call 112 for emergency services. A treating physician or GGD (Municipal Health Service) doctor must certify the death. Unnatural deaths are automatically referred to police and the public prosecutor. Contact your insurer …
Obtaining the Dutch Death Certificate
Typically takes 1-3 working days.
Notifying the British Embassy Netherlands
Embalming in the Netherlands
Embalming is required for international repatriation under UK regulations. Dutch funeral directors in Amsterdam and The Hague are experienced with UK repatriation requirements.
Zinc-Lined Coffin Requirement
A zinc-lined or hermetically sealed coffin is required by UK regulations. Standard practice at Dutch funeral directors handling international repatriation.
Repatriation Documentation
Typically takes 2-5 working days.
- Akte van Overlijden (Dutch death certificate)
- Medical certificate of cause of death (Verklaring van Overlijden)
- Freedom from infection certificate
- Permission to transport human remains from the Netherlands
- Embalming certificate
- Passport of deceased
Air transport home
Reception at home
Timeline
How long does the process take?
Best case
5 days
Natural death, no post-mortem, documentation issued quickly.
Typical case
7-12 days
Most repatriations from the Netherlands fall within this range.
Complex case
21+ days
Post-mortem, inquest, criminal investigation, or remote location.
What can extend the timeline
- Dutch judicial investigation (gerechtelijke sectie) ordered
- Death in a canal or waterway (drowning investigations)
- Drug-related death in Amsterdam (police involvement is automatic)
- Documentation gaps
Documentation checklist
Documents required for repatriation from the Netherlands
- Akte van Overlijden (Dutch death certificate)
- Medical certificate of cause of death (Verklaring van Overlijden)
- Freedom from infection certificate
- Permission to transport human remains from the Netherlands
- Embalming certificate
- Passport of deceased
Documentation typically takes 2-5 working days to complete.
If a post-mortem is required
Required for any unnatural death, death in a public place, or where the cause is unclear. In Amsterdam, deaths involving drugs automatically trigger police involvement and referral to the public prosecutor, who may order a judicial post-mortem (gerechtelijke sectie).. Adds 3-14 days. Canal drownings and drug-related deaths are the most common complex cases involving British nationals in the Netherlands.
We handle the paperwork
Our team coordinates with local funeral directors in the Netherlands to ensure all documentation is obtained correctly and on time.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about repatriation from the Netherlands
Allow 7-12 days for a straightforward case from the Netherlands. Where nothing is contested it can be done in 5 days. Where a post-mortem or a police investigation has to conclude first, expect 21+ days.
There is no standard figure, and quoting one before we know the case would be misleading. The cost of bringing someone home from the Netherlands moves with the place of death, whether an investigation has to finish first, the paperwork required, and which flights carry remains on that route. Tell us what happened and we will come back with a figure, with no obligation.
Required for any unnatural death, death in a public place, or where the cause is unclear. In Amsterdam, deaths involving drugs automatically trigger police involvement and referral to the public prosecutor, who may order a judicial post-mortem (gerechtelijke sectie).
Cremation is available in the Netherlands. After a cremation abroad, ashes can normally be carried home to the UK in hand luggage, provided the cremation certificate travels with them; other countries set their own rules for bringing ashes in.
Netherlands requires: Akte van Overlijden (Dutch death certificate), Medical certificate of cause of death (Verklaring van Overlijden), Freedom from infection certificate, Permission to transport human remains from the Netherlands, Embalming certificate, Passport of deceased. Documentation typically takes 2-5 working days. Most of this is gathered for you by the funeral director acting locally.
Official support
British Embassy in the Netherlands
For British nationals, the British Embassy can provide information and a list of local funeral directors. It cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. If your loved one was a citizen of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate instead.
Route guides
Repatriation routes from the Netherlands
Each route guide covers the documentation, timeline and process for one corridor from the Netherlands, written for the family at the receiving end.
Start the process today
Our team handles every step of repatriation from the Netherlands. Send an enquiry and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing your loved one home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Embassy contacts: Netherlands · Frequently asked questions