Can you keep an urn at home? These are the rules in the Netherlands
Many people wonder if it's allowed: keeping an urn at home. For many, it feels natural and comforting to place the urn in a beautiful spot in their home. But what about the legal aspect? The rules in the Netherlands are simpler than most people think.
Can you keep an urn at home?
Yes. In the Netherlands, you are simply allowed to keep an urn at home. You do not need a permit for this, nor do you have to report it to the municipality. As soon as you have collected the ashes from the crematorium, you can decide where to place the urn.
Why is this allowed?
The Dutch Burial and Cremation Act stipulates that next of kin are entirely free to choose what happens with the ashes — as long as it is done respectfully. An urn at home is one of the most chosen options and is legally considered a personal choice, not an official destination that needs to be registered.
Are there rules about where to place it in the house?
No. You can place the urn wherever you feel comfortable:
- in the living room
- on a dresser
- in a special memorial corner
- in a cabinet or display case
Most importantly, choose a place that brings peace and fits your daily life.
What about the ashes container from the crematorium?
You will receive the ashes in a sealed container after about 30 days.
From that moment on, you can:
- keep the ashes at home,
- transfer them to a beautiful urn,
- divide them,
- or scatter them (or have them scattered).
You are completely free in this choice.
Can you move the urn later?
Yes. You can always take the urn with you when you move, or later choose to scatter or inter the ashes. There are no restrictions or reporting requirements. For many people, this is a comforting thought: the urn simply goes with you.
Why are more and more people choosing to keep urns at home?
Because it feels close. An urn at home provides connection, peace, and a daily moment of remembrance. Many people also opt for soft earth tones and organic shapes that harmoniously blend into the interior — so the urn feels like a warm, natural object instead of a striking symbol of loss.
