What is the Centraal Testamentenregister?
The Centraal Testamentenregister (CTR) is a national register run by the Royal Dutch Notarial Association. Every will drawn up in the Netherlands is registered automatically by the notary in the CTR.
The register does not hold the content of the will, but does record:
- the deceased's name and date of birth;
- the date of the will;
- the notary who drew up and holds the will.
With these details you contact the notary to request the content.
How to request an extract
Apply online via centraaltestamentenregister.nl. You need:
- a copy of the death certificate;
- the deceased's personal details (name, dates of birth and death, last address).
The first request (by an heir) is free. Subsequent requests cost a small fee (around 12 EUR).
How long does it take?
Standard: 5 business days by email or post. Complex queries or applications from abroad can take up to 2 weeks.
What if there is no will?
The CTR replies "no will found". The statutory rules of inheritance then apply. Under those rules your partner and children inherit by fixed proportions (the wettelijke verdeling).
What if there is a will?
The extract names the notary holding the original. Contact that notary and request a copy. The notary usually asks for ID and the death certificate before releasing it.
Tip: do it early
Do not wait until the inheritance tax filing comes into view. If a will turns out to exist it can change the entire distribution and the filing. Request the extract ideally in the first or second week.