Introduction
We understand that you are going through an extremely difficult period. The loss of a loved one brings not only pain but also the necessity of dealing with a range of official matters — and the death certificate (úmrtní list) is one of the first documents you will encounter. The administrative tasks may feel unbearable at this moment, but we believe this article will help you find your way.
The death certificate is an official document without which virtually no matter connected to the death of a loved one can be resolved — from inheritance proceedings to dealings with the bank to applying for the funeral allowance. Although it is a crucial document, many bereaved families are unsure how to obtain it, what exactly it contains, and to whom they actually need to present it.
In this article, you will find a clear step-by-step guide: how a death certificate is created, where to collect it, what information it contains, and at which offices and institutions you will need it. We also address the situation where you need an additional copy — a so-called duplicate (duplikát). Everything is prepared in accordance with the current legislation of the Czech Republic for 2026.
If you are dealing with the entire process from the very beginning, we recommend first reading our guide What to Do When Someone Dies, which will walk you through the first steps after a death.
What Is a Death Certificate and Who Issues It
The death certificate (úmrtní list) is a public document issued by the matriční úřad (registry office) with jurisdiction over the place of death. It is the fundamental official document confirming that a specific person has died, and it serves as the entry document for all official proceedings after the death of a loved one — from inheritance proceedings to the termination of contracts.
Matriční úřad — What It Is and Where to Find It
Matriční úřady (registry offices) in the Czech Republic maintain the registers of births, marriages, and deaths. Jurisdiction is determined by the place where the death occurred — not by the deceased's permanent residence. In practice, this means:
- Death at home — the death certificate is issued by the matriční úřad in the municipality of permanent residence (if it coincides with the place of death).
- Death in hospital — the competent office is the matriční úřad in the municipality where the hospital is located.
- Death during transport — the determining factor is the place where the doctor certified the death.
Matriční úřady are part of municipal and city offices. In large cities, you will typically find the registry at the Department of Registries (odbor matrik); in smaller municipalities, at the municipal office with extended powers (obecní úřad s rozšířenou působností).
Difference Between the Death Certificate and the Medical Certificate of Death
Bereaved families often confuse these two documents, even though they serve entirely different purposes:
| Document | Issued by | When it is created | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| List o prohlídce zemřelého (Medical certificate of death) | Doctor (examining physician) | Immediately after death | Confirmation of death, determination of cause, basis for registry entry |
| Úmrtní list (Death certificate) | Matriční úřad (registry office) | Within 30 days of receiving the medical certificate | Official document for inheritance, banks, insurers, employers |
The medical certificate of death is issued by the doctor and sent to the registry office — as bereaved family members, you typically do not come into contact with it. The death certificate, on the other hand, is what you receive and will present at numerous institutions.
How to Obtain a Death Certificate — Step by Step
You obtain the death certificate from the matriční úřad (registry office) with jurisdiction over the place of death. In most cases, you do not need to take any active steps yourself — the registry will contact you once the entry in the kniha úmrtí (register of deaths) is ready. The entire process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks; the statutory deadline is 30 days.
Procedure After Death
The doctor examines the body — and issues the list o prohlídce zemřelého (medical certificate of death). This happens automatically, regardless of whether the death occurred at home, in hospital, or elsewhere.
The medical certificate is forwarded to the registry — the doctor or funeral service delivers one part of the medical certificate to the relevant matriční úřad. You do not need to deliver anything yourself.
The registry enters the death in the register of deaths — the registrar verifies the information, makes the entry, and prepares the death certificate. For verification, the registry may need the deceased's citizen's identity card (občanský průkaz), if you have not already handed it to the funeral service.
The registry contacts you — by telephone or in writing to inform you that you can collect the death certificate. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date of death.
Collection in person — you attend the registry with your own citizen's identity card. The death certificate (original) is issued free of charge. The registry will retain and invalidate the deceased's identity card.
Who Can Collect the Death Certificate
The registry does not issue the death certificate to just anyone. An eligible person is:
- The spouse or registered partner of the deceased
- Parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings
- An authorised representative with an officially certified power of attorney (plná moc)
- An individual who demonstrates a legal interest (e.g. for insurance claims)
- Courts and state administration bodies for official purposes
Deadlines and Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Statutory deadline for issuance | 30 days from receipt of the medical certificate at the registry |
| Extended deadline (complex cases) | Up to 60 days |
| Usual timeframe in practice | 1–2 weeks |
| Fee for the original | Free of charge (0 Kč) |
| Fee for a duplicate | 100 Kč (revenue stamp) |
Complex cases, where the deadline is extended, include situations such as an ordered autopsy, unknown identity of the deceased, or death under unclear circumstances being investigated by the police.
What the Death Certificate Contains
The death certificate is a standardised official form containing complete identification data about the deceased and the fact of the death. All data is taken by the registry from the medical certificate of death and the population register — the bereaved do not fill in any information themselves.
Overview of Information on the Death Certificate
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full name | Full name of the deceased, including birth surname |
| Date of birth | Day, month, and year of birth |
| Place of birth | Municipality and district of birth |
| Rodné číslo (Birth number) | The deceased's personal identification number |
| Nationality | Citizenship at the date of death |
| Marital status | Single, married, divorced, or widowed |
| Date of death | Day, month, and year of death |
| Place of death | Municipality, district, and (if applicable) healthcare facility |
| Cause of death | Not stated on the death certificate (only on the medical certificate) |
| Registry office | Name and address of the office that issued the certificate |
| Date of entry | Date of entry into the register of deaths |
| Entry number | Serial number in the register of deaths |
Important note: The cause of death is not stated on the death certificate. This information remains only in the medical certificate of death (list o prohlídce zemřelého) and forms part of the medical documentation. If a bank, insurer, or other institution requires information about the cause of death, you will need a different document — a medical report or an extract from the medical certificate.
Where You Will Need the Death Certificate
You will need the death certificate for practically every official proceeding connected to the death of a loved one. It is the document that proves the fact of death — without it, most institutions will refuse to deal with you. We recommend obtaining at least 2–3 duplicates so you do not have to wait for the return of the original.
Overview of Institutions and Purpose of Presentation
| Institution | Purpose of presentation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Notář / soud (Notary / court) | Dědické řízení (inheritance proceedings) | The court initiates proceedings automatically upon receiving information from the registry |
| Banka (Bank) | Blocking and access to the deceased's accounts | Each bank requires the original or a certified copy |
| Pojišťovna (Insurer) | Insurance claims (life insurance, accident insurance) | Some insurers also require a medical report |
| Zaměstnavatel (Employer) | Termination of employment, payment of outstanding amounts | Labour Code: employment ends on the day of death |
| ČSSZ / OSSZ | Granting of widow's/widower's pension, orphan's pension | Forms available for download at cssz.cz |
| Úřad práce (Labour Office) | Application for funeral allowance (5,000 Kč) | Entitlement only under certain conditions — see funeral allowance |
| Katastr nemovitostí (Land Registry) | Change of property owner | Only after inheritance proceedings are concluded |
| Dodavatelé energií (Energy suppliers) | Transfer or termination of contracts (electricity, gas, water) | Contact the customer lines of individual suppliers |
| Mobilní operátor (Mobile operator) | Termination or transfer of the contract | In person at a branch with the death certificate |
| Zdravotní pojišťovna (Health insurer) | Deregistration of the deceased | The registry usually informs them automatically |
| Pohřební služba (Funeral service) | Ordering the funeral (in the first days, the medical certificate suffices) | The death certificate is needed only for any subsequent procedures |
In addition to dealing with official matters, many families during this period think about how to preserve the memory of their loved one. One option is creating a digital memorial, where relatives and friends can share joint memories and photographs.
How Many Copies of the Death Certificate You Will Need
You receive the original death certificate from the registry free of charge — but you will need to present it at numerous places simultaneously. We therefore recommend:
- At least 2 duplicates — for concurrent dealings with the bank and notary
- Certified copies — some institutions accept an officially certified copy in place of the original (certification at Czech POINT costs 30 Kč per page)
- 3 or more duplicates if the deceased had assets at multiple banks, with insurers, or abroad
Details on how to obtain a duplicate can be found in the following section.
Duplicate Death Certificate
A duplicate (druhopis) of the death certificate is issued upon request by the matriční úřad (registry office) that recorded the entry in the register of deaths. The administrative fee is 100 Kč per copy, payable via a revenue stamp (kolek). You can request a duplicate at any time — there is no time limit.
How to Request a Duplicate
- Visit the relevant matriční úřad — that is, the one that issued the original death certificate (the registry at the place of death).
- Present your citizen's identity card — the registry will verify that you are an eligible person (the same circle of persons as for the initial issuance).
- Pay the administrative fee — 100 Kč via a revenue stamp for each duplicate. You can purchase the stamp directly at the registry or at a branch of Česká pošta (Czech Post).
- Collect the duplicate — the registry typically issues it on the spot or within a few working days.
Request by Post or Data Mailbox
If you cannot visit the registry in person, you can submit the request:
- In writing by post — the signature on the request must be officially certified. Enclose a revenue stamp worth 100 Kč.
- Via datová schránka (data mailbox) — if you have a data mailbox set up for natural persons. The fee is paid electronically.
The matriční úřad will send you the duplicate by registered post or to your data mailbox.
Who Can Request a Duplicate
The circle of eligible persons is identical to that for the original:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Direct relatives (parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren) and siblings
- An authorised representative with an officially certified power of attorney
- An individual who demonstrates a legal interest
- Courts and state administration bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to issue a death certificate?
The matriční úřad (registry office) has a statutory deadline of 30 days from receiving the list o prohlídce zemřelého (medical certificate of death). In more complex cases (e.g. autopsy or unknown identity), the deadline is extended to 60 days. In practice, the death certificate is usually ready within 1 to 2 weeks. The original is issued free of charge.
How much does a duplicate death certificate cost?
A duplicate (druhopis) of the death certificate costs an administrative fee of 100 Kč, payable via a revenue stamp (kolek). You can purchase the stamp directly at the registry or at a branch of Česká pošta (Czech Post). You can request a duplicate at any time — there is no deadline. The matriční úřad typically issues it within a few days.
Who can request the issuance of a death certificate?
A death certificate can be requested by the spouse, registered partner, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings of the deceased. Additionally, an authorised representative with an officially certified power of attorney, courts, state administration bodies, and any individual who demonstrates a legal interest — for example, for inheritance proceedings or insurance claims.
What should I do if the death occurred abroad?
If a Czech citizen died abroad, the death certificate is issued by the local authority according to local laws. For validity in the Czech Republic, an official translation and superlegalization (or apostille, if the country has ratified the Hague Convention) are required. Registration in the zvláštní matrika (special registry) in Brno is carried out by the Czech embassy in the relevant country.
Can I arrange a funeral without a death certificate?
Yes. The funeral is arranged on the basis of the list o prohlídce zemřelého (medical certificate of death), which the doctor issues immediately after the death. You will typically receive the death certificate only after the funeral — the registry takes 1 to 2 weeks to process it. The funeral service therefore does not need the death certificate to arrange the funeral.
Summary
- The death certificate (úmrtní list) is a public document issued by the matriční úřad (registry office) with jurisdiction over the place of death.
- The original is free of charge — you receive it without a fee, typically within 1–2 weeks after the death.
- A duplicate costs 100 Kč (revenue stamp) and can be requested at any time from the relevant registry.
- You will need it at the notary, bank, insurer, ČSSZ, employer, and other institutions.
- Do not confuse the death certificate with the list o prohlídce zemřelého (medical certificate of death) — they are different documents with different purposes.
- We recommend obtaining at least 2–3 duplicates for concurrent dealings at multiple institutions.
- A funeral can be arranged even without the death certificate — the medical certificate of death suffices for this purpose.
- In the case of death abroad, an official translation, apostille, and registration in the zvláštní matrika (special registry) in Brno are required.
Related Articles
- Documents Required for a Funeral in the Czech Republic — Complete Overview
- Inheritance Proceedings — Complete Guide for the Bereaved in 2026
- What to Do When Someone Dies — Step by Step
- Funeral Allowance 2026 — Who Is Eligible for 5,000 Kč and How to Apply
- How to Choose a Funeral Service — What to Ask
While You Handle the Formalities — Consider a Digital Memorial
Dealing with official matters after the death of a loved one is exhausting — but alongside all the forms and deadlines, there is something that carries a deeper meaning. A digital memorial on Kinmory is a place where you can preserve photographs, stories, and memories of your loved one. Relatives and friends can contribute from all over the world — and the memories will be preserved for future generations.