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- Burials in Belgium are regulated by the regions. In Wallonia, this is the Code of Local Democracy (CDLD); in Flanders, the Decree on Cemeteries of 16 January 2004; in Brussels, the Ordinance of 29 November 2018.
- In Wallonia, the mayor can authorize an exhumation at the family's request (exhumation de confort) in only three cases. One of them is specifically international transport.
- In Wallonia, a grave cannot be opened from 8 weeks to 5 years after burial. After 5 years, exhumations are carried out only from 15 November to 15 April.
- In Flanders, exhumation (opgraving) is only possible with a permit, and municipalities grant it only for serious reasons.
- Our exhumation service costs from €500 plus the cost of transport from Belgium. We calculate the exact amount based on your situation.
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Translated from Ukrainian “You were always available, whatever the time…” — Віта Х. “Everything was organised with great dignity, professionally and with attention to every detail.” — Тамара Ю. “Every question was resolved promptly, with respect and attention to detail.” — Olha B. “…your support, compassion, sense of responsibility and professionalism meant a great deal to us.” — Ірина Б. “It all went quickly and professionally…” — Оля К. Who can request an exhumation in Belgium
The application is submitted by close relatives. Municipal rules are specific. For example, in the Flemish city of Diksmuide, exhumation is carried out at the request of a husband or wife, a cohabiting partner, and first-degree relatives. The application is addressed to the mayor (burgemeester). In Wallonia, exhumation at the request of close relatives (proches) is also authorized by the mayor (bourgmestre) or their deputy.
If the family is in Ukraine, traveling to Belgium is usually not necessary. You sign a power of attorney, we prepare the application, and we translate the proof of kinship into French or Dutch, depending on the municipality. If the municipality requires the relative's personal signature, we will let you know in advance.
Law and permits
Wallonia
Code of Local Democracy and Decentralization (CDLD), Article L1232-5, as amended by the decree of 24 June 2021:
- the mayor or their delegate may authorize an exhumation at the family's request in only three cases: a burial will was discovered later, transfer to another plot with the same burial method, or international transport (transfert international);
- coffin exhumation at the family's request is carried out only by private companies;
- cremation after exhumation is authorized by the mayor at the request of close relatives, in particular for international transport.
Flanders
Decree on Cemeteries and Disposal of Remains (Decreet op de begraafplaatsen en de lijkbezorging) of 16 January 2004, Article 4: exhumation is carried out only with a permit, and detailed rules are set by the Flemish government and municipalities. In practice, the permit is granted by the mayor. Example of Diksmuide: exhumation is an exception, and permits are granted only for serious reasons (ernstige redenen). Some municipalities are stricter. In Mechelen, for example, the rules list mostly organizational reasons.
Brussels
Here, the Ordinance of 29 November 2018 on funerals and burials applies. We check with the municipality where the person is buried to see who authorizes exhumation and how. Municipalities have their own cemetery regulations, so rules can differ even between neighboring districts of the city.
The laws do not set a timeframe for the mayor's decision. We check this with the local authority.
What we ask the municipality
- who has the right to sign the application and whether a power of attorney from a relative in Ukraine is accepted;
- what reasons the municipality considers serious and how to confirm them;
- whether the municipality has a minimum waiting period or a specific season for exhumation;
- which company is allowed to lift the coffin at this cemetery;
- how much the municipal fee is and when to pay it;
- what documents the municipality will issue for transporting the body abroad.
When it is allowed
In Wallonia, the timeframes are written into the law:
- during the first 8 weeks after burial, exhumation is possible year-round;
- from 8 weeks to 5 years after burial, exhumation is prohibited (délai sanitaire);
- after 5 years, exhumation is carried out only from 15 November to 15 April;
- these restrictions do not apply to urns in columbarium niches.
In Flanders and Brussels, we check the minimum waiting period and season with the municipality. If the person died of an infectious disease, the mayor may order special measures. The Mechelen regulations state this directly.
How the exhumation takes place
The date and time are set by the cemetery service. Example of Diksmuide: the headstone and plants are removed from the grave in advance, the municipality opens the grave, and a specialized company lifts the coffin. A representative of the mayor is present and draws up an official report. They may require a new coffin and other measures at the applicant's expense. Relatives may attend only with the mayor's permission, and in Mechelen, the family's presence is prohibited.
For transport to Ukraine, the body is placed in a hermetically sealed transport coffin with a zinc liner. If the family chooses cremation, in Wallonia it is authorized by the mayor, while in Flanders a permit from the public prosecutor (procureur des Konings) is also required.
Documents for transport to Ukraine
- mayor's permit for exhumation;
- exhumation report from the municipality;
- documents for transporting the body abroad, arranged by the funeral home in the municipality (we confirm the exact list for the specific municipality);
- death certificate with an apostille. The apostille is issued by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs of Belgium (SPF Affaires étrangères / FOD Buitenlandse Zaken), in electronic form only. From 1 August 2026, the fee is €25 per document;
- translation of documents into Ukrainian.
Before departure, we coordinate the document package with the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium. The general list is available on the documents page.
Reburial in Ukraine
For a new burial in Ukraine, permission is required from the executive body of the local council at the new burial place. The municipality in Belgium may ask for confirmation of where the new grave will be, so we arrange the plot in Ukraine at the same time as the Belgian documents. Read more in the article exhumation and reburial in Ukraine.
How much exhumation costs in Belgium
Each municipality sets its own fee (redevance). Example: for 2026–2031, the Walloon municipality of Anthisnes charges €350 for the exhumation of a body carried out by a funeral company, and €250 for the exhumation of an urn by municipal workers. If actual costs are higher, the municipality bills the actual amount. Paid separately:
- work of the private company that lifts the coffin;
- new coffin for transport;
- apostille (€25) and translations;
- dismantling of the headstone.
Our exhumation service costs from €500 plus the cost of transport (repatriation) from Belgium. We calculate the exact amount for your situation, including local fees. For transport, we work without prepayment: payment is made after handover under the contract.
How long it takes
| Stage | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Consultation, identifying the region, municipality, cemetery | 1–3 days |
| Power of attorney, translations, burial plot in Ukraine | 1–3 weeks |
| Mayor's decision | from several weeks |
| Waiting for the season in Wallonia (if more than 5 years have passed) | until 15 November |
| Exhumation, new coffin, documents, apostille | 1–2 weeks |
| Transport to Ukraine | a few days |
| Reburial in Ukraine | as agreed with the cemetery |
Timeframes depend on authorities beyond our control. In Wallonia, the season has the biggest impact: if you apply in summer, the work will take place no earlier than 15 November.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to carry out an exhumation in Belgium and transport the person to Ukraine?
Yes. In Wallonia, international transport is explicitly named in the law as valid grounds for exhumation at the family's request. In Flanders, a serious reason and the mayor's permission are required.
Who grants permission for exhumation in Belgium?
The mayor (burgomaster) of the municipality where the person is buried, or their delegate.
How many years must pass after burial?
In Wallonia, exhumation is prohibited from 8 weeks to 5 years after burial. In Flanders and Brussels, we check the waiting periods with the municipality.
In what season is exhumation carried out?
In Wallonia, after 5 years from burial, only from 15 November to 15 April. In other regions, the date is set by the municipality.
How much does exhumation cost in Belgium?
The municipal fee varies, for example €350 in Anthisnes. Plus the private company's work, coffin, and apostille. Our exhumation service costs from €500 plus transport to Ukraine.
Can family members be present at the exhumation?
It depends on the municipality. In Diksmuide, with the mayor's permission; in Mechelen, relatives are not allowed to be present.
What to do now
- Find the details you have: municipality, cemetery, grave number, grave grant document (concession), death certificate.
- Tell us the burial date: in Wallonia, this determines whether exhumation is possible right now.
- Decide on the burial place in Ukraine.
- Call us. We will check the rules of your municipality and prepare the application to the mayor. For details on transporting remains, see the repatriation of remains from Belgium page.
We are available 24/7, including on Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Sources
- Décret du 24 juin 2021 modifiant l'article L1232-5 du CDLD (Wallex)
- Decreet van 16 januari 2004 op de begraafplaatsen en de lijkbezorging, art. 4, art. 15 (tekst Belgisch Staatsblad, etaamb)
- Stad Diksmuide: Reglement op de begraafplaatsen, hoofdstuk V Ontgravingen (gemeenteraad 15.12.2025)
- Stad Mechelen: Politieverordening begraafplaatsen en lijkbezorging, art. 1.9 (gecoördineerd 2025)
- Commune d'Anthisnes: Redevance pour l'exhumation, exercices 2026–2031
- SPF Affaires étrangères: Legalisation of documents (apostille, €25)
- Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium
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