Applying for a European Certificate of Succession
If you inherit something in another country of the European Union (EU), for example a holiday home, you will need a European Certificate of Succession to prove that you are the heir. In the Netherlands, you can apply for this certificate from a civil-law notary.
Last updated on 22 August 2025
Lees deze informatie in het Nederlands
Who may apply for a European Certificate of Succession?
As the heir, you can apply for the European Certificate of Succession from a civil-law notary. The following persons may also apply for the certificate:
- the administrator of the estate;
- the executor (in Dutch);
- the person or organisation receiving a legacy according to the will (the legatee).
Application in the Netherlands or abroad
The civil-law notary will first determine whether the certificate of succession must be drawn up in the Netherlands. This is the case, for example, if the deceased most recently resided in the Netherlands. Or if the deceased chose Dutch law in their will. In that case, the civil-law notary in the Netherlands will draw up the certificate.
However, you may have to apply for the certificate of succession in the country of the deceased. In that case, the civil-law notary will advise you which notary or court in the other country you can turn to.
Laws and regulations
Uitvoeringswet Verordening erfrecht, artikel 8 (in Dutch)
Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 4, artikel 188a (in Dutch)