What to do after a death in Belgium
In Belgium the process goes through the municipality, the notary and several federal bodies.
First hours
Call the GP or on-call service (1733). The doctor completes model IIIC. Suspicious death: 112.
Register at the municipality
Within 24 hours. Request 8–10 death certificate extracts. Checklist in the Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com).
Funeral
~60% cremation. Average cost 3,500–6,500 EUR. Written quote required.
First two weeks
Employer, mutual insurance, Federal Pension Service, bank (blocked), insurers, Vlabel/FPS Finance, landlord.
Certificate of succession
Free at the registration office or through a notary (€200–500).
Succession declaration
Within 4 months of death in Belgium (Vlabel / FPS Finance).
Frequently asked questions
- Declaration deadline?
- Within 24 hours at the municipality.
- When is the bank unblocked?
- After the certificate of succession; 5,000 EUR available for urgent costs.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) guides you step by step: checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.