Bereavement guide

Losing someone you love is never easy. Alongside the emotional weight, there are practical steps that need attention, and we know this can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you through the process.

The bereavement process

Gather key documents and notify relevant organisationsYou will need a death certificate, a scan of the identification documents and details, contact info, and funeral bills (if applicable).

Allow us to review and freeze accountsWe will guide you through stopping payments and securing accounts.

Settle outstanding balances, loans, and cardsWe will help you manage any debts or credits.

Request help with funeral costsIf needed, we can arrange payments.

Wait for our legal team’s reviewOur legal team will review the documents and the notary will contact you.

Receive fundsOnce everything is complete, funds are released to the heirs.

What you’ll need

Death certificate

You’ll need a DH35 Certificate of Death and Cause Thereof, issued by the doctor certifying your loved one, together with your identification document and of your loved one, to register their passing at the Public Registry.

Identification documents

Having the ID or passport number for your loved one helps us and other organisations locate the correct accounts. You’ll use these when notifying the bank, attending appointments, or acting on behalf of the family.

Contact information

Your phone number and email address to keep you updated, answer your questions, and let you know if we need anything else.

Funeral bill (if applicable)

If you’d like us to help with funeral costs from your loved one’s account please have the funeral bill to hand. Such costs are generally released directly to the funeral organiser, against valid invoices.

Before contacting us

Get guidance from the Malta Public Registry Office. Certificates are usually issued within 3–6 weeks.

Notify the Department of Social Security (if applicable)

Report the death of a Social Security beneficiary. If the surviving spouse doesn’t have a sole account, they’ll need one for benefits.

Inform other organisations, such as

Insurance companies, utility providers (electricity, water, phone, internet), and telecare and support services.

Managing accounts, cards, and loans

Accounts

We’ll freeze sole and joint accounts.

We’ll stop direct debits and standing orders, and help you make alternative arrangements.

We’ll cancel cheque books, online banking, and powers of attorney.

If payments like dividends or bond interest go into a joint account, we’ll help you redirect them to a sole account.

Cards

We’ll cancel debit and credit cards in the deceased’s name.

We’ll cancel supplementary cards.

If there’s an outstanding balance, we’ll work with you to settle it from the account or through the heirs.

Receive life cover for peace of mind (to main cardholders under 75 years old). Subject to terms and conditions, you're entitled up to €6000 (Visa Gold), or up to €7000 (Visa Platinum)

Loans, business accounts, and investments

We’ll help you manage any outstanding loan balances.

Our business branch will provide guidance for business accounts.

We’ll explain your options for investments, whether transferring or cashing in.

Legal steps and release of funds

After your notary submits all the required documentation, our legal team will carry out a full review.

Your notary will be your main point of contact throughout the legal procedure and will keep you updated on the progress of your documentation.

Once all documentation is in order, you may:

Request your notary to submit the relevant form for the direct transfer of inheritance funds into your bank account.

Call our Customer Service Centre for an appointment on +356 2131 2020.

Visit the branch directly to schedule an appointment

If you are abroad, we will provide guidance on how to securely submit your bank details.

How to let us know

From the first call to the final step, we’ll support you with care and respect. When you’re ready, choose the way that feels the easiest for you.

Call us+356 2131 2020

Send us an email[email protected]

Visit us at a branchhttps://www.bov.com/find-us

Emotional support

You’re not alone. These are some of the organisations that can help you.

Resources

Bereavement Guide