Funeral repatriation route guide

Repatriation from the Netherlands to Nepal

For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.

4-8 weeks Typical timeline
The Hague British Embassy
3-5 days Documentation time

Quick answer

Repatriation from the Netherlands to Nepal: what to expect

The Netherlands has a Nepali community, with nationals working in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam in professional services and hospitality. The Embassy of Nepal in The Hague is fully operational. When a Nepali national dies in the Netherlands and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Nepal, the death is registered with the local gemeente (municipal civil registry). Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only international airport; all repatriated remains arrive there. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in The Hague is required. A certified Nepali translation of all documents is required by the Ward Office on arrival. (Embassy of Nepal, The Hague; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)

  • Key document: akte van overlijden (death certificate) (in Dutch)
  • Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
  • British Embassy or High Commission in The Hague registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
  • Death must be registered with the gemeente (municipal civil registry) promptly.
  • Nepal Embassy in The Hague can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Typical timeline4-8 weeks
Fastest case3-4 weeks
Complex case8-14 weeks

Step by step

Timeline: the Netherlands to Nepal

1

Immediate steps after death

Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or 112 for local emergency services.

Family or travel insurer

2

Death registered. Akte van overlijden (death certificate) obtained.

Death must be registered with the gemeente (municipal civil registry). Violent or unexplained deaths (officier van justitie) may delay this step.

Local funeral director and registry

3

Nepal Embassy in The Hague notified

Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.

Family or repatriation specialist

4

Embalming and preparation.

After body released by authorities.

Licensed local funeral director

5

All export documentation and permits obtained.

Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.

Local funeral director and authorities

6

Air cargo to Nepal

Once all documentation complete.

Repatriation specialist and airline cargo

7

Nepal funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.

Within 24 hours of arrival.

Receiving funeral director

The process

What happens after a death in the Netherlands

Call 112 for emergency services. Death is certified by a physician. The akte van overlijden is registered with the local gemeente (municipal civil registry office). The officier van justitie (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. The Netherlands is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1960).

Common questions

FAQs: repatriation from the Netherlands to Nepal

In Nepal

When the body arrives in Nepal

The Nepali funeral director takes custody at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's only international airport. All repatriated remains arrive via KTM regardless of the final destination within Nepal. Death registration of overseas Nepalis is handled by the local Ward Office (formerly the Village Development Committee or Municipality) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, upon receipt of the overseas documentation. Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; all foreign documents require full consular authentication through the Embassy of Nepal in the country of origin. All documents require certified Nepali translation for submission to the Ward Office. A hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin is required for all air imports. The Embassy of Nepal in the origin country coordinates the overseas death registration process. (Embassy of Nepal, London; Government of Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025.)

Consular support

The Embassy of Nepal in The Hague can advise on documentation requirements and coordinates the overseas death registration process. Nepal is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; full consular authentication through the Embassy in The Hague is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.

We are here to help, any time of day or night

If your loved one has passed away in the Netherlands, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.

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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.

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