Declaration of death

In the event of death, the doctor draws up a document containing the causes of death. This document cannot be opened either by the relatives of the deceased or by the municipal official who will draw up the death certificate. This document constitutes the declaration of death.

Declaring a death

Generally a death must be reported within 24 hours to the civil registry office of the municipality where the person died, i.e.

• if a person has died on the territory of the municipality of Differdange, the declaration is made to the civil registrar of the municipal administration of Differdange;
• in the event of death on the territory of another municipality, the declaration must be made to the civil registrar of the municipality in question (e.g. the death of a person at the Emile Mayrisch Hospital in Esch-sur-Alzette is declared to the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette).

The declaration of death may be made by

• the funeral home contacted by the family
• a close relative of the deceased 
• any other person.

The person must be in possession of their identity card or passport. 

Documents to submit

• a medical certificate attesting to the death and the causes of death
• if possible, the family record book of the deceased, or failing that, all identity documents and documents concerning the deceased (marriage or birth certificate, identity document)
• in the event of cremation, a medical certificate stating that there is no sign or indication of violent death and a medical certificate stating that the deceased person does not carry a pacemaker.

Funeral arrangements

The burial or deposit of the ashes will only be done on the basis of a written authorization issued by the civil registrar. Different situations may arise:

• In the event of death occurring on the territory of the municipality of Differdange, authorization may be requested at the time of the declaration of death.
• In the event of death on the territory of another municipality, the authorization shall be drawn up in accordance with the transport permit issued by the municipality where the death occurred.
• In the event of death abroad, the authorization is issued on the basis of the official information provided to the civil registrar if they consider it sufficient.

The cremation of a deceased person in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may only take place with the authorization of the civil registrar of the place of death. This authorization is granted on the basis of:

• a document expressing the deceased’s wish to be cremated or a declaration of a close family member of the deceased.
• a medical certificate attesting that there is no sign or indication of violent death
• a medical certificate stating that the deceased person does not carry a pacemaker

Place of burial or interment of ashes

Burial in one of the cemeteries of the municipality of Differdange is reserved for persons (residents or not) holding a valid funeral concession as well as their ascendants and descendants with their respective spouses. Persons who have died can also be buried in a communal cemetery. In fact, different situations may arise in which the registrar will provide you with all the relevant information.

With a view to incineration, the urn can be placed either in the family grave or in a columbarium. Ashes can also be scattered on the lawn reserved for this purpose at the cemeteries in Differdange, Niederkorn, Oberkorn and Lasauvage.

It is possible to opt for a civil funeral or a religious funeral. The family will be able to choose between placing the coffin in the ground, depositing the ashes or dispersing them. This can be done at the forest cemetery („Bei den Gruben“) in Niederkorn or at any other cemetery.

If you choose a civil ceremony, a municipal official will be present at your side and will find the right words to pay tribute to the deceased during a ceremony.

Preparing the succession

A form concerning the administrative procedures to be followed in the event of a death will be given to you by the civil registrar of the place where the death was declared. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the citizens office.