What to do after a death in Belgium
In Belgium a death is declared to the municipality of the place of death. Inheritance duties are regional and deadlines are short.
Declaration to the municipality
Declaration is made to the municipality of the place of death, usually by the funeral company. You will need: the deceased's ID, marriage record, medical death certificate, any will and final wishes. Ask for several extracts of the death certificate.
Frozen accounts, deed of inheritance
As soon as the bank is notified, all accounts (including joint ones) are frozen. To unfreeze them you need an acte d'hérédité / attest van erfopvolging from a notary or the registration office. The surviving spouse may withdraw up to €5,000 for current expenses.
Succession declaration: 4 months
The succession declaration must be filed within 4 months if the death occurred in Belgium (5 months elsewhere in Europe, 6 months outside). Inheritance rates are regional (Wallonia, Flanders, Brussels). The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) provides region-specific templates.
Other essential contacts
Notify the health insurance fund, the employer or ONEM, the pension office (SFP), the landlord, insurers, telecom and energy providers, and SPF Finances. Check for a collective death insurance via the employer.
Frequently asked questions
- Who declares the death?
- Usually the funeral company acting for the family.
- Is the joint account frozen?
- Yes, until the deed of inheritance is issued.
- Deadline for the succession declaration?
- 4 months if the death occurred in Belgium.
- Are inheritance rates the same nationwide?
- No, each of the three regions sets its own rates.
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.