Documents
Two papers, two purposes. Confusing them costs a return trip.
In the first days two documents circulate and are readily confused. They have neither the same origin nor the same use.
Issued by the doctor who certifies the death, at home, in hospital or in a care home. It confirms the death and its time medically.
It is the starting document: without it nothing can proceed — no notification, no collection, no transport.
Issued by the civil registry office after the death has been notified. This is the official document third parties ask for.
It is needed by the bank, the pension fund, insurers and the employer, and it is indispensable for anything to do with the estate.
Five, as originals. The bank, the pension fund, the health insurer and the employer each ask for one and do not return it. Further copies can be ordered later, but it takes time — better to ask at the outset.
Both documents go into the file, and the death certificate often has to be legalised by the destination country's consulate, sometimes translated.
Allow two or three additional copies: legalised originals stay in the transport file and do not come back.
Questions & answers
In practice the funeral director, using the medical certificate and the identity papers. You do not have to go anywhere.
Notification must happen within two days; the certificate is usually available one to two working days later.
The civil registry office at the place of death issues more, for a fee. Allow a few days.
It forms part of the official file and is not handed over. The death certificate is the one you keep and pass to third parties.