What to do if someone dies in Belgium

When a British National Dies in Belgium

Belgium is one of the more straightforward European repatriations. It is an EU member, a Strasbourg Convention signatory, and Brussels Airport has strong direct UK connections. Call the British Embassy Brussels on their emergency line as your first step.

If the deceased was serving British military at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) near Mons, do not proceed with civilian repatriation. NATO military deaths are handled through Ministry of Defence channels. This guide covers civilian cases only.

Step 1: Reporting the Death

All deaths must be reported to the local police. For natural deaths in hospital with a physician’s confirmation, the process moves directly to death registration.

For unnatural, sudden, or suspicious deaths, the Parquet (Public Prosecution) at the relevant judicial district level must authorise the case. The Parquet decides whether a forensic post-mortem is required and issues the authorisation for body release once its review is complete.

Step 2: Death Certificate from the Commune

The death certificate (Overlijdensakte in Dutch, Acte de deces in French, or Sterbeurkunde in the German-speaking eastern areas) is issued by the commune’s civil registry (Dienst Burgerlijke Stand or Service de l’Etat civil). The commune is determined by where the death occurred, not where the deceased lived.

Forensic post-mortems for Parquet cases are conducted at university hospital departments: UZ Leuven (Flanders), CHU Liege (Wallonia), UZ Gent (Flanders), and ULB (Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels).

Step 3: Transport Permit from the Commune

Once the Parquet has closed its review and the death certificate is issued, the commune issues the international transport permit (autorisation de transport de corps / vervoervergunning voor een lijk). This is the document that authorises the body to leave Belgium.

Under the Strasbourg Convention, this permit is accepted directly by UK authorities. No additional consular legalisation is needed.

Step 4: Language and Translation

Belgium has three official language communities. Confirm the language of administration for the commune where death occurred:

• Flanders (Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, most of northern Belgium): Dutch
• Wallonia (Liege, Namur, Charleroi, Ardennes): French
• Brussels Capital Region: bilingual Dutch/French
• Eastern cantons (Eupen, Malmedy area): German

All documents require certified English translation for UK entry formalities.

Step 5: Embalming and Preparation

Embalming to IATA P650 standards is required. Belgian funeral directors in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Liege have established repatriation experience.

Step 6: Flights to the UK

Brussels Airport (BRU) at Zaventem is the main hub. Direct flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick operate with Brussels Airlines, British Airways, and easyJet. Cargo handling for human remains is efficient and well-established.

For deaths in the Ardennes region, the body is typically transferred to Brussels before UK departure. For Liege-area deaths, Liege Airport (LGG) has some cargo capacity but Brussels is usually the faster option.

Step 7: UK Arrival Formalities

On arrival in the UK, the coroner reviews the case. Translated documents must accompany the consignment notes. The local registrar then issues a UK death certificate.

Getting Help

Repatriate Service manages the full Belgium process including commune authority liaison, Parquet tracking, and Brussels Airport cargo booking. For Ardennes outdoor accident deaths, we can liaise with Belgian mountain rescue services directly.