How much does a death certificate cost?

The initial registration and death certificate is typically free or costs a nominal fee ($2-$5). A certified copy of a death certificate from the Registrar-General costs $5-$10.

Can I get a death certificate from abroad?

Yes. Apply for a certified copy through the Registrar-General's Office in Harare, through a Zimbabwe Embassy, or appoint an agent in Zimbabwe with a Power of Attorney to obtain it on your behalf.

How long does it take to get a death certificate?

If the death is registered within 30 days, the certificate is usually issued on the same day or within a few days. Late registrations (after 30 days) may take longer as they require additional documentation and approval.

Death Certificate Zimbabwe — How to Apply, Requirements & Costs

Q: How do I get a death certificate in Zimbabwe?

A death must first be reported to the nearest police station and a burial order obtained. Then the death is registered at the Civil Registry (Registrar-General's office) within 30 days. Once registered, a death certificate is issued. You need the burial order, deceased's ID, and informant's ID.

Registering a Death in Zimbabwe

Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act [Chapter 5:02], every death occurring in Zimbabwe must be registered with the Registrar-General within 30 days. The death certificate is issued upon registration and is an essential document for estate administration, insurance claims, and pension benefits.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Report to Police

Immediately after a death, report it at the nearest ZRP police station. The police will:

Record the death and issue a police report
Arrange for a post-mortem examination if the cause of death is unclear or if the death was unnatural
Issue a burial order (required before burial can take place)

Step 2: Obtain Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

A medical certificate of cause of death must be obtained from:

The attending doctor (if the person died in hospital or under medical care)
A government medical officer (if the death occurred at home or in the community)
A pathologist (if a post-mortem was conducted)

Step 3: Register the Death

Visit the Civil Registry (Registrar-General's Office) with:

Document	Details
Burial order	Issued by the police
Medical certificate of cause of death	From the attending doctor
Deceased's national ID	Or passport if a foreign national
Informant's national ID	The person reporting the death (usually next of kin)
Marriage certificate	If the deceased was married (for updating records)

Step 4: Receive the Death Certificate

The Registrar issues the death certificate upon registration. This document contains the deceased's full name, date and place of death, cause of death, and the registration number.

Late Registration (After 30 Days)

If a death is not registered within 30 days, late registration is possible but requires:

A written explanation for the delay
An affidavit from the informant explaining the circumstances
Approval from the Registrar-General
Additional fees may apply

Important: Without a death certificate, the deceased's estate cannot be administered, bank accounts cannot be accessed, insurance claims cannot be processed, and property cannot be transferred. Do not delay registration.

Getting a Death Certificate From Abroad

If you need a certified copy from outside Zimbabwe:

Write to the Registrar-General: P.O. Box CY 622, Causeway, Harare
Apply through a Zimbabwe Embassy
Appoint an agent with a Power of Attorney

Provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death to help locate the record.

Why You Need a Death Certificate

Estate administration — The Master of the High Court requires it to appoint an executor
Insurance claims — Life insurance, funeral policies, pension benefits
Bank accounts — To access or close the deceased's accounts
Property transfer — To transfer title deeds to beneficiaries
Remarriage — Proof that a previous spouse is deceased
Government benefits — Social welfare, NSSA survivor benefits

Costs

Service	Cost (USD)
Death registration (within 30 days)	Free – $5
Certified copy of death certificate	$5–$10
Late registration fee	$10–$20

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a death certificate?

Report the death at a police station, get a burial order and medical certificate, then register at the Civil Registry within 30 days. The certificate is issued upon registration.

How much does it cost?

Registration is free to $5. A certified copy costs $5–$10. Late registration may incur additional fees.

Can I get one from abroad?

Yes. Through the Registrar-General's Office, a Zimbabwe Embassy, or via an agent with a Power of Attorney.

How long does it take?

Same day to a few days if registered within 30 days. Late registrations take longer due to additional approvals.

Death Certificate Zimbabwe