Everyone aged 18 and older who is a registered resident in a municipality in the Netherlands will automatically be included in the donor registry. In this registry, you can indicate whether you want your organs and tissues to be available to other patients in the case of your death.
You can decide to donate all possible organs and tissues, make a selection, or not donate any organs or tissues at all. If you do not make a choice, you will be registered as having “no objection to organ donation.” If you are already registered, there is no need to take any further action.
As an international, it is important that you record your choice: This can be done directly using your DigiD or by completing an online form. You can also send a paper donor form. You can get one of these from your municipality or at most hospitals.
Why make a choice?
By recording a choice, your partner or family knows how you think about donation. Discuss this with them as well. This makes the discussion with the physician at the hospital easier for your family.
Letter from the Donor Register
You will receive a letter if you have lived in the Netherlands for the past three years. In this letter we ask you to record your own choice.
Which choices do I have?
You have four choices. You can only choose one. Whatever choice you enter, you can always change your choice.
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Yes, I want to become a donor
- No, I don't want to become a donor
- My partner or family decides
- I appoint someone who decides
Read more about the choice you have.
What does ‘no objection to organ donation’ mean?
‘No objection to organ donation’ means that your organs can go to a patient after your passing. The physician at the hospital will discuss this with your family. If your family is very sure and can explain to the physician that you really did not want to become a donor, then you will not become a donor. So it is important that your family knows what your choice is. And for you to record that choice.
