Death in Belgium: the steps in order
When a loved one dies in Belgium, the first steps go through the municipality and the funeral home. Then come the bank and the estate, which have their own deadlines.
The essentials
In Belgium, the death is registered with the municipality where it occurred, often by the funeral director, and the municipality issues the death certificate. The deceased's accounts are frozen until the heirs are known. The estate declaration is in principle filed within four months.
The steps, in order
- 01
Have the death certified
A doctor certifies the death and issues the death certificate.
- 02
Choose a funeral home
It takes charge of the body, organises the funeral and most often handles the registration with the municipality.
- 03
Register the death with the municipality
With the municipal administration of the place of death, which draws up the death record. Ask for several extracts: the bank, the employer and the insurers will need them.
- 04
Inform the bank
As soon as it learns of the death, the bank freezes the deceased's accounts until the heirs are known. To unfreeze them, you need a certificate of inheritance or a deed of inheritance.
- 05
Obtain the certificate or deed of inheritance
The certificate of inheritance, which is free, is requested from the FPS Finance, online through MyMinfin, when the deceased left no will or marriage contract and no heir is legally incapacitated. In other cases, a notary draws up a deed of inheritance, for a fee.
- 06
Notify the organisations
The health insurance fund, the employer, the pension fund and insurers, with an extract of the death record.
- 07
File the estate declaration
Within four months of the death if it occurred in Belgium, five months if it occurred elsewhere in Europe, six months outside Europe. It is filed with the administration of the region where the deceased lived, often through a notary.
Frequently asked questions
Are the deceased's accounts frozen?
Yes. As soon as it is informed of the death, the bank freezes the accounts until the heirs are known, on presentation of a certificate or deed of inheritance.
Do you need a notary?
Not always. With no will, no marriage contract and no incapacitated heir, the free certificate of inheritance from the FPS Finance is enough to unfreeze the accounts. Otherwise, a deed of inheritance drawn up by a notary is needed.
What is the deadline for the estate declaration?
In principle four months from the death if it occurred in Belgium, five months if it occurred elsewhere in Europe, six months outside Europe.
The Belgian formalities, followed with the family
In your Milele file, choose Belgium: the formalities appear with the right contacts and deadlines, and your loved ones can share some of them.
Open a file for freeRead also
- Death in Quebec: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Quebec: the attestation and declaration of death, the certificate, the death benefit of up to $2,500, survivor pensions, Service Canada, tax returns and the liquidator's role.
- Death in the United Kingdom: the steps in England and WalesWhat to do after a death in England or Wales: the medical certificate, registering at the Register Office within five days, the Tell Us Once service and probate.
- The first 48 hours after a deathWhat to do in the first two days after a death, at home or in hospital: the doctor, the declaration, the funeral home, the deceased's wishes and the deadline for the funeral.
Official sources
- belgium.be — Décès
- belgium.be — Déclaration de décès
- belgium.be — Compte bancaire après un décès
- notaire.be — Délai de la déclaration de succession
Updated on October 23, 2026. This guide summarises the usual steps; it does not replace advice from a notary, a lawyer or your country's authorities. How we write our guides